Anthony Michael Governanti ‘Tony’, 74, of Meredith, passed away Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Lakes Region General Hospital, in Laconia, after four month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on June 13, 1939 in Bronx, NY, to parents Michael J. and Antoinette (DiFranco) Governanti, he was educated at Hempstead High School, Hempstead, NY, Hofstra University, Uniondale, NY and Louisiana Polytechnic University, Ruston, LA. He received a Bachelor’s of Science in Geology, competed in varsity football and lacrosse as a student-athlete at Hofstra.
From 1966 to 1971 he was a Science Teacher, at the Tilton School, Tilton, and taught Environmental Science, Geology and Water Pollution Control. As a dorm parent, football and lacrosse coach he assisted in development of first lacrosse program at Tilton School. From 1970-1985, he was the Director of Mayhew Program for Boys, Newfound Lake, Bristol, and Developed and directed a “big brother” style program for under privileged New Hampshire boys age ten through thirteen.
Tony was a chief fundraiser, interacting with the United Way, local businesses, chambers of commerce, fraternal orders and charitable organizations across the state. He worked closely with school systems, social work organizations and the courts to identify and assist high need, at risk youths. From 1985 to the present, he joined his wife Frances in running the Alexandria Lamp Shop, in Meredith, a small retail antique shop and lamp repair business. He will be fondly remembered for his humor, kindness, work ethic and genuine concern for others.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Frances (Troccoli) Governanti; three sons, Bartolo Rhesa Governanti and his wife Shirley Fleury, of Lebanon, Vincenzo Governanti and his daughters, Talia and Tessa, of Alexandria, NH.; Anthony Governanti and his wife Elizabeth Jones Governanti, their sons, Domenic and Donovan, of New Boston; two brothers, Michael Governanti and his wife Sandra Governanti, of Cincinnati, OH, their children, Mickey, Brett, Marc, and Kristen, Daniel Governanti and his wife Karen Governanti, and their sons Matthew, Christopher and David, of Ithaca, NY; sister, Celeste Governanti, of Lake Worth, FL.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: the NH Humane Society, NHHS P.O. Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247 or to the Central New Hampshire VNA and Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.