Anthony Neglia, a pillar in the Bensonhurst business community whose generosity was only surpassed by his kind spirit, died in South Nassau Communities Hospital on July 12. He was 80 years old.
The cause of death was leukemia, his son Anthony said.
Born in Bensonhurst, Neglia attended David A. Boody Junior High School in Gravesend, and Lincoln High School in Coney Island.
From the mid 1950s until 1983, he owned Al-Brite Paint on 86th Street. It was during that time that his unwavering devotion to community began.
He founded the 86th Street Bath Beach Kiwanis, where he served as president, and was also the president of 86th Street Bensonhurst Community Merchants Association.
Even when he moved from Brooklyn to Woodmere in 1961, he never turned a shoulder to Brooklyn.
“Even after 25 years, he hasn’t had a business on 86th Street but he always ran the Kiwanis club. He never wanted to see the thing he created falter,” his son said. To this day, the family still owns the building where the paint store was located, Anthony added.
“Everything he did, he did for the sake of others,” his son continued.
“He taught me so much—not by sitting me down and giving me a lesson, but by example. He taught me how to treat people, how to give,” his son said.
Besides family and community, Anthony said his father had a third passion: golf.
In his casket, near his feet, sits a pillow that reads: “If there’s no golf in heaven, I’m not going,” his son said.
Anthony Neglia is the husband of the late Antoinette Neglia. Devoted father of Karen Doran, Marianne Malone, Anthony Neglia, Jacqueline Vetrano. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Kevin, Kathryn, Kristin, Anthony, Kaitlin, & Teresa, and proud great grandfather of Janisa, Taylor, Gavin, Elijah and Kaylee. Dear brother of Joseph Neglia.
Funeral mass was held Wednesday at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Hewlett, L.I.
Memorial contributions can be made to: 86th Street Bath Beach Kiwanis. Contributions will be used to fund the Antoinette Neglia Scholarship Fund at Bishop Carney High School in Brooklyn. Checks can be sent to: A & A Neglia Realty Corp., 764 Golf Drive, North Woodmere, NY 11581.
