Dr. Anthony Michael Petrilli

Dr. Anthony Michael Petrilli of Waterford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2026, with his loving wife by his side. He lived a full and remarkable life defined by devotion to family, excellence in his profession, and dedicated service to the New London County community.

Born on August 5, 1929, in Bronx, New York, to Pasquale Petrilli and Josephine D’Angelo Petrilli, Anthony was shaped early by a strong sense of purpose, endless curiosity, and his devotion to the Catholic faith. These qualities guided him throughout a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service.

He pursued his education with distinction, graduating from Fordham Preparatory School in 1947 and earning a degree in English from New York University in 1952. He studied and graduated from Georgetown University School of Dentistry, where he was awarded his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1956. Anthony completed his surgical residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at NYU/Bellevue in 1959.

For four decades, Dr. Petrilli practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in New London, providing exceptional care to generations of patients across southeastern Connecticut. He was widely respected for his clinical excellence, steady judgment, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being. To his patients, he was not only a confident surgeon of the highest caliber, but also a compassionate and trusted care provider.

Beyond his private practice, he contributed meaningfully to the broader medical and educational communities. He served as Chief of Oral Surgery at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, was a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Bernard High School, and was active in the Connecticut Dental Society, earning admiration as a respected leader and role model.

Above all, Anthony Petrilli was a devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty six years, Margie Petrilli of Waterford, Connecticut. He was predeceased by his first wife of twenty-four years and the mother of his five children, Vincenza Grasso Petrilli, who passed away in 1977.

He leaves behind his five children: Daria Petrilli Eckert (Blaise Eckert) of Harvard, Massachusetts; Lisa Petrilli of Waterford, Connecticut; Michael Petrilli (Jeffrey Schmitt) of Amherst, Massachusetts; Edward Petrilli (Natalie Russell Petrilli) of Cape Carteret, North Carolina; and Christian Petrilli (Diane Petrilli) of Higganum, Connecticut. He was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Cenzia (Joshua) Willard; Pasquale (Georgina) Eckert; Justin (Meredith Kate) Petrilli; Anthony (Caroline) Petrilli; Gianno Petrilli; and Taj Petrilli; and nine great‑grandchildren: Blaise; Layla; James; Graham; Hayden; Emmett; Hazel; David; and Keith, all of whom brought Grampa Tony immense happiness and joy. In addition, he is survived by his three stepchildren: Alison Czuba; Michael Czuba; Andrew Czuba, and three step‑grandchildren: Ella; Mae Rose; and Jackson, all of whom he cherished as part of his family.

Outside of his professional career, Anthony embraced life with infectious enthusiasm, creativity and a bold sense of adventure. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed golf, tennis, skiing, boating, and sailing. He was also an accomplished sculptor, loved to tinker and fix things, and took great pleasure in gardening. Captain Tonio especially loved traveling and delighted in remarkable days sailing the open waters with his first mate, Margie, exploring the Caribbean to Saint Barth’s and beyond. To his family, friends, patients, and colleagues, Anthony Petrilli was a true inspiration—marked by integrity, dedication, and kindness. His authenticity, compassion, and empathy brought a gentle light to the world around him. His legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

A funeral service honoring Anthony’s life will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New London at on March 16 at 10:00 a.m., with visitation at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home in New London on March 15 from 2:00 and 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care, in recognition of his care team’s exceptional service. The family also invites those who wish to honor Anthony’s memory to do so through acts of kindness, service, and generosity – values that guided his life and defined this extraordinary man.

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