Anthony “Tony” Raymond Filice

Anthony “Tony” Raymond Filice, 85, of Morganton, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 5, 1937, he was the son of late Italian immigrants, James I. and Santa B. Filice. Tony was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A veteran of the US Army, he bragged about being the “best potato peeler around.” Tony obtained his bachelor and master degrees from Western Carolina University while working at Drexel Heritage Furnishings. He held many positions including vice president of Management Information Services and later VP of Customer Service. His dedication to his career and knowledge/passion for fine furniture and quality craftsmanship carried to other aspects of his life as well. He was an avid dealer of automobiles and enjoyed bargaining, collecting, and restoring Volkswagen Beetles and other classic cars.

However, Tony considered his 46-year marriage to his loving and caring wife to be his greatest achievement. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how beautiful she was, how much he loved her, and was always giving the last goodnight kiss. Joy was always by his side with love and affection. If she wasn’t, the ringing Tony’s pet names for Joy, “Joy,” “Bum,” or “Mommy,” would echo through the house. The two shared a love story unique and unmatched by most.

Up until his final breath, Tony remained a devoted husband, father, papaw, and great-papaw. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke or brag about something his children or grandchildren were doing. He was a former member and president of the Morganton Rotary club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He left his mark on so many friends and acquaintances during his life. Tony was a WWE Wrestling fan, enjoyed a senior coffee McDonalds break, and loved a slow drive around Riverside drive. His sense of humor, and the love and adoration he showed his family and friends, will surely be missed in the days to come.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Joy Stroup Filice; children he raised as his own, Mark A. Tew, Marcia Tew Benson (Kirk), and Sheila Tew Keller (Kevin Jarrett); grandchildren, Destiney Conway (Jonathon), Jacob Benson (Daniela), Kyle Benson (Erin), Bradley Benson (Lauren), Olivia Benson, Hannah Keller Davis (Cody), Heidi Keller, Allison Sessions (John), and Andrew Tew; great-grandchildren, Loreali Benson, Lane Benson, Eden Benson, Logan Benson, Kate Benson, Paislee Sessions, Noelle Conway, and Karsyn Sessions; sisters, Marion Macri, Janice Sullivan, Joyce Rose, and Gracie Filice; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Jack Macri and Bill Rose.

Revelation 21:4 “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will no longer be death. Neither will there be any mourning or crying or pain, for the old order has passed away.”

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Sossoman Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at noon, Friday, December 16, 2022 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Ken Whittington and Deacon John Martino officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 728 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655.

The family would like to express their appreciation to his caregivers, Kathy and Jennifer.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.