Antonio M. Bove, a longtime resident of the Newton village of Nonantum and widely known as "Papa", died at the age of 81 on Oct. 19, 2026. 

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He was born in Atina, Italy and immigrated to America in 1973 with his wife, Maria (Rapone) Bove, with whom he was married for 55 years. 

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Antonio also leaves two daughters, Annarita and Elena Bove, both of Newton. He was predeceased by his parents, Achille and Maria Carmela (Palombo) Bove, and by two siblings, his sister Antonietta and a brother, Domenico. 

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He is also survived by a niece, Ursula, and a nephew, Fulvio and by many cousins. 

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Antonio worked in the construction field for many years and had a special love of animals, including his current dog Stella. And for gardening, especially tomatoes which he always kindly shared with friends and neighbors, earning him the nickname, “Tomato Man". He even won awards for his gardening and for his Christmas light displays. Among his other enjoyments was his morning espresso and playing solitaire with his Italian cards every morning. 

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Visitation at 9:30am in the rear of Our Lady's Church, 573 Washington St, Newton on Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30am. Family flowers only, please.

 

Burial after Mass at Newton Cemetery.