Smiling St. Mary's Usher, Tony Saia, 89, has Died

Anthony P. Saia, "Tony", 89, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Ann (Douglass) Saia.

Mr. Saia was born on January 3, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY; son of the late Paul and Ninfa (Cosenza) Saia. He was a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School and New Hampshire College. Mr. Saia served in the U.S. Army as a medical radiographer stationed in France.  A long time Ridgefield resident, Mr. Saia was a retired Radiology administrator. He managed departments of Radiology in a number of hospitals including Montefiore and Stamford Hospital, where the department increased in size and technology under his leadership. His varied interests included tropical fish, model airplanes, antiquarian books, carpentry, and traveling. 

Mr. Saia was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Church of Ridgefield. He was well known, as the smiling usher welcoming parishioners to the 4:30 PM Saturday Vigil Mass. He saw families grow, supplying toddlers with crayons and coloring paper and watching them grow to teenagers and young adults. Mr. Saia was outgoing and friendly with all; he had a special fondness for children and enjoyed laughing and joking with them.

Mr. Saia was a member of St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Marquette Council 245, and the Rev John D. Kennedy Assembly 99 in Danbury where he served as Faithful Navigator and Color Corps Commander. He was also an active member of Ridgefield American Legion Post 78; he was an integral part of the detail to organize and ensure that all the veterans graves were decorated for Memorial Day.. 

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dorothy Ann, as well as his son Paul and his wife Susan of Carmel, NY; Mark, of Shelton CT; daughter Stephanie Johnsen and her husband Richard of New Port Richey, FL; Aimee Notaro of Holmes, NY; and stepson Edward Gereg of New Milford CT. Mr. Saia also leaves his grandchildren Anthony, Christina, Joseph, Michael, Theresa, Abbey, Ashlee, Brandin, Jessica, Christina, Rosemary, Michael, and Christopher and his great grandchildren Victoria, Paul, Mila, Ellie, and Jayce.  

A Walk Through Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 1:30 PM at St. Elizabeth Seton Church; 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield. Inurnment and US Military Honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield. Registration for the funeral Mass is required; facial coverings and social distancing are mandatory for the visitation and funeral services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's School; 183 High Ridge Avenue, Ridgefield.