Keohane Funeral Home

Taverna, Antonino “Tony” of Braintree, formerly of South Boston passed away March 22, 2021 after a long illness. Tony was born in Riesi, Italy to the late Francesco and Laura Taverna. Tony was a proud United States Army Vietnam era veteran. After immigrating to the United States he became a life-long resident of South Boston, later moving to Braintree in 2007. Tony was Co-Owner of Maria’s Italian Cold Cuts in Somerville with his brother Rocco, and also owner of Taverna’s Salumeria in Medford. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends by his pool, making homemade wine with his brother Rocco. He was a former member of the Saint Joseph’s society of the North End. He was an avid fan of international soccer teams. Tony was a man of facts, he intently studied the details of current events and had an uncanny ability to recall historical sporting facts. He was admired for his perseverance, resilience and stubbornness especially as he battled his illness not allowing it to overcome him. He loved his garden and was affectionately known in the neighborhood as the man who meticulously maintains his yard. 

Devoted husband to his loving “sweetheart”, Theresa M. Taverna of Braintree. Loving father of Eric Taverna and Krista of Bellingham, Lauren Taverna of South Boston, Michelle Taverna of South Boston. Proud Nonno to his 3 grandchildren; Katelyn, J. and Julia. Dear brother of Rosalie Dalton and her late husband Ken, Tina Maria Taverna, Francesca Taverna and Frank Taverna Jr., all of South Boston and the late cherished loving brothers Rocco Taverna and his wife Maria of Hull and the late Joseph Taverna and his wife Lucia of East Boston. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Monday 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Clare’s Church, Braintree at 10 AM on Tuesday. Burial in MA National Cemetery, Bourne. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tufts Medical Center – Advanced Heart Failure Program, 6 South Building Box #5931, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. Or, to give an online gift to the Advanced Heart Failure Program please visit: https://www.tuftschildrenshospital.org/giving-support/give/tribute-and-memorial-giving. For those who cannot gather together with Tony’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by visiting clicking the link above sharing a special memory or message.