Anthony Joseph La Rosa

Muskego- Entered the arms of our Lord Sunday April 6, 2025 at the age of 99. Preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Jane (nee Dancker) whom he treasured and adored. Loving son of the late Giuseppe and Rosa (nee Salmieri). Brother of the late Josephine, Concetta (Robert) Kotschi and Frank (Norma) all of whom predeceased him. Cherished and devoted father of Debra (Gregory) Bublitz and Janice (Dr. Dennis) Hanna. Proud grandpa of Tony (Sarah) Bublitz, Angela (Dr. Anders) Bublitz Christensen, Andrew Hanna, Dr. Alex (Barbara) Hanna, Dr. Abigail Hanna, and Natalie (Michael) Schwobe. Loving Great-Bumpa and Great-Grandpa of Charlie Hanna and Billie Rose Bublitz. Tony will be missed by numerous other friends and family.

Tony was born on the 26th of February, 1926 and raised in West Allis by Sicilian immigrant parents on an entirely Sicilian city block, as charter members of St. Rita Catholic Parish, and attended West Allis Central High school. Although 100% an American boy, he cherished his roots and traditions, especially the fabulous Sicilian cuisine inherited from his parents and lovingly prepared to perfection by his “Janie”. He was in his glory with his extended family each year celebrating Festa Italiana at the Milwaukee lakefront or meeting with his fellow Milazzese Society members, and through numerous clubs and organizations, Tony was well-known and liked, and it seemed wherever he went he knew somebody.

Tony served with the Navy aboard the troop transport USS Menefee in the pacific during WWII and proudly wore his Navy Veteran hat until his very last days. When he returned stateside he resumed an apprenticeship at Allis-Chalmers in West Allis and through hard work and integrity slowly graduated into AC’s upper ranks as a top production engineer. As a valued and respected employee Tony was trusted with international production research and development, taking over forty trips to numerous countries throughout the world. His professional accomplishments spanned such diverse projects as kidney dialysis machines and nuclear submarine technology. In retirement he and Jane continued travelling the US, spent countless hours helping out with their daughter’s families and doting on their grandchildren. Three generations of his family will forever cherish the holidays at Grandpa and Grandma’s, his prayer, opening his Italian wine, and Jane’s wonderful dinners, and ALL of his grandchildren have continued the tradition of preparing the La Rosa’s Sicilian spiedini. He perfected the art of vegetable gardening and produced results none of us could understand. He clearly had a Sicilian red, white and green thumb.

Tony was a devout Roman Catholic from birth until death, attending mass regularly, kneeling at his bedside every evening, celebrating all Catholic holidays reverently, and serving as a Godly example to his family. Up until his final hours with his daughters, he continually repeated

“Thank you, Amen”. “Thank you, Amen”. From the bottom of our hearts, Dad, Thank YOU, Amen.

Our deepest gratitude to Brighton Hospice and Heritage Muskego for their tender loving care these last years, with many thanks to Linda and Marie, and special love from Tony and his family to Nicole, Kati and Jhamira.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, on Tuesday, April 15, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Additional visitation at St. Barnabas (formerly St. Rita) Parish 2318 South 61st Street, West Allis, on Wednesday, April 16, from 10:00 AM until Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Brighton Hospice and Stars and Stripes Honor flight would be appreciated.