, 70, of Statesville, N.C., and formerly of New York, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, surrounded by family members at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. He was born September 17, 1954, in Amityville, N.Y., son of the late Albert and Christine DiRaffaele.

Tony could sell ice to an Eskimo! He was a natural born salesman, negotiator, and leader. He had a love for Las Vegas and an unmatched sense of humor. Tony could always be found in his garage, working on different cars, but most likely some kind of Corvette. Cars were his passion, but his true love was for his children, his grandchildren, and his wife. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandpa.

He leaves a lasting legacy to be cherished by his survivors, his wife of 22 years, Rosemarie DiRaffaele; daughters, Christine Dittmar and husband Ryan of Cumming, Ga., Melissa Cavalea and husband Jonathan of Pippersville, Pa., Graceann DiRaffaele of Sellersville, Pa., Tonie-Marie Easter and husband Christopher of Old Lyme, Conn., and Rianna DiRaffaele of Statesville; step-daughters, Lisa Moore and husband Jordan of Troutman, N.C., and Elena Kubica and husband Keith of Portland, Conn.; step-sons, Mark Fernandez of Newport News, Va., and John Fernandez of Statesville; grandsons, Austin Dittmar, Michael Cavalea, Jakob Cavalea, Joshua Cavalea, Anthony DiRaffaele, Collin DiRaffaele, Jonathan Ramirez, Jordan Ramirez, and Connor Moore; granddaughters, Melina Cavalea, Mabel Easter, and Alex Moore; and loving pets, Tori and Coco. He ws preceeded in death by his son, Anthony DiRaffaele; and daughter-in-law, Danielle DiRaffaele.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, N.C. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on July 14, 2025, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, N.C.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.