Anthony J. Pine, 91, of Bristol, passed away at home surrounded by his wife and daughter, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Anthony was born to John and Zora Pine in the Chelsea Heights neighborhood of Atlantic City, N.J., on Dec. 4, 1932.
As the first generation of his family born in America, Anthony spent his childhood adventuring, and later working, amongst the excitement of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. As a natural athlete, he pursued football at Holy Spirit High School, and became a star linebacker for the team, graduating in 1950. He then married his beloved wife, Carolyn Schaafsma, in 1952.
Anthony was a veteran of the United States Air Force, of which he served for four years, stationed at the SAC Air Force Base in Greenland. While the job was challenging, the cold temperatures were something that Anthony would never forget. Upon returning home, he moved with his wife to Spokane, Wash., where they welcomed their daughter, Phyllis, in 1957.
The family returned to New Jersey in 1960, where Anthony took a job with a local spice company. Moving in 1970 to Newburyport, Mass., then to Derry, N.H., where he advanced at General Spice to vice president. Anthony and Carolyn found themselves returning to South Jersey after retirement. Making their final move to Bristol where they were able to find a lovely home across the street from their daughter and son-in-law.
Anthony led a happy life and enjoyed relaxing with his wife and family. He followed Notre Dame football, never missed a weekly trip to the library for reading materials, and always washed the dishes after dinner. Anthony was a good mechanic and never shied away from fixing things around the house.
Anthony was a kind and dependable man. He loved his family and worked hard to provide a comfortable life for them. After a long work day, Anthony could always be found at home with a mystery novel and a salty snack.
Anthony was preceded in death by his father in 1948; mother in 1996; brother, John; and brother-in-law, Fred Dalzell, husband of Anna Dalzell.
Anthony is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sister, Anna Dalzell, of Linwood, N.J.; and many nieces and nephews; daughter, Phyllis and son-in-law, Andrew Leck, of Bristol; grandson, Jonathan Leck, his wife, Carol, and children, Ben, Isabella, and Sophia, of Norfolk, Va.; grandson, Zackarya Leck, his wife, Caitlin, and children, Zora, Sterling, and Colm, of Eastsound, Wash.; and granddaughter, Andrea Leck and partner, Justin French, of Damariscotta.
A funeral mass for Anthony was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle, on the morning of June 4, 2024.
Arrangements are under direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta, ME 04543. Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting stronghancock.com.
