Anthony Joseph "A.J." Truilizio

Anthony Joseph "A.J." Truilizio, age 85, of Richland, passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2019 at Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center Windber.  A.J. was born in Johnstown on November 25, 1933.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Peggy, and daughter, Keirsten, as well as his sister-in-law Mary Frances Bodek (husband Mike), brothers-in-law Paul Russo and John Russo (wife Brigite), aunt, cousins, and many close nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Matilda Buscetti and Frank Truilizio, brother Joseph Buscetti, uncles Tony Purpiglio and George Purpiglio, and aunts Maggie Luberto and Mary Purpiglio. His Aunt Mary was like a second mother to him. 

He graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School, now Bishop McCort High School, in 1952. Sister Mary Thérèse was his favorite teacher and special friend. A.J. was also a regular at Coney Island Lunch, visiting regularly with his friends since he was 10 years old and throughout his retirement. A.J. was a teacher's aide at St. Anthony Elementary School (later Woodvale Catholic) in the 60s where he also enjoyed coaching football, soccer, and basketball. He always felt he learned a lot of things from the other coaches and kids, and he hoped they learned a lot from him. He retired from the Greater Johnstown School District after 26 years.

A.J. was a dedicated husband and father and a lifetime member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish (formerly St. Anthony Parish) in Johnstown. He enjoyed watching football, especially if it was Notre Dame, and was a member of the Notre Dame Club of Central Pennsylvania. On several occasions he sang the "Ave Maria" during Notre Dame Club Communion Breakfast Masses. Many years ago, A.J. also sang at the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort in Blairsville. He enjoyed taking bus trips to casinos and spending time with family and friends.

Friends and family will be received at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, East Hills Chapel and Crematory at 404 Walters Ave on Tuesday, October 29 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Church, 124 Maple Ave on Wednesday, October 30 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony Joseph "A.J." Truilizio, please visit our floral store.