Antonio Pete 'Tony' Carbonari, 81

Antonio Pete "Tony" Carbonari, 81, lately of Portland, passed over during the evening of Sept. 2, 2006. "He sought the hand of his wife who had gone before him."

Tony was born in Somers on Jan. 10, 1925, to Henry and Dominica Carbonari. He attended school first in Somers, and then Kalispell, where he attended Flathead County High School.

He met and married Juanita Elaine Rollefson in Seattle, after a stint in the Army and a move to the West Coast. Much of his early working career was spent with what was then the Portland Gas and Coke Company. His later work years were with the Bonneville Power Administration, where he will be remembered by his many friends and acquaintances.

Tony was truly a family man and spent countless hours coaching, watching, and recounting the athletic endeavors of his three sons, of whom he was very proud. He believed in working hard, keeping one's word, and in meeting his responsibilities. His efforts were appreciated then and now.

After raising his family in Portland, Tony lived in Umatilla and Hermiston, Ore., as well as Post Falls, Idaho, before finally settling in Apache Junction, Ariz., for the last five years of his life. He enjoyed the Arizona climate immensely and usually only ventured out of the region to visit family and friends. Tony maintained membership and actively participated in the Lutheran church throughout his adult life.

Over the past three years, Tony fought a valiant fight against the effects of different cancers that ultimately claimed him. Those who kindly cared for and assisted him during this period were taken by his unfailingly positive attitude and the wonderful sense of humor that he somehow managed to maintain throughout his struggle.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, the aforementioned "Lita" Carbonari.

He is survived by his three sons, Joseph Carbonari of Whitefish, Michael Carbonari of Tampa, Fla., and Donald Carbonari of Portland. His grandchildren include Christopher Carbonari of Rockville, Md., Aaron Carbonari of Bend, Ore., and Ned, Seth, and Jenny Carbonari-Ford, all of the Flathead Valley. His sister, Edith Batten, is of Cheraw, S.C.; and his brother, Rino Carbonari, resides in Spokane.

The body is to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, at Whole Life Church, 3890 Upper Drive, in Lake Oswego, Ore.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to any children's charity of your choosing, at his request. May he rest in peace.