Anthony "Poppy" Verduci

Anthony “Poppy” Verduci of Newtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 10, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family and friends. 

Born on May 18, 1938, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, he was the beloved son of the late Fortunato and Perina Verduci. In 1956, at the age of 18, Tony emigrated to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. He met the love of his life, Lydia Di Felice, in 1957 at the Steve Van Buren Dance Hall in Bristol, PA. The couple married in 1959 and shared 65 wonderful years together.

Poppy and Lydia built a remarkable life, raising four children and founding their family construction business, A.V. Construction, as well as their pizzeria, Poppy’s Pizza. Their dedication to family and community created a legacy of love and service.

Poppy enjoyed his winters in Juno Beach, Florida, and cherished summers at his beach house in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. A passionate cook, he delighted in preparing meals for his family and friends, always making strangers feel like they were part of the family. Poppy’s charismatic personality, profound wisdom, and generous spirit left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lydia; his sons, Anthony, Marc, and Michael; his daughter, Lisa Kapral (David); eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Poppy is preceded in death by his grandson, David Kapral. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Joan Murphy for her unwavering kindness, love, and care for Poppy over the years. The family would like to mention his grandson, Michael, for his kind support of Poppy.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Galzerano Funeral Home, located at 3500 Bristol - Oxford Valley Road., Levittown, PA 19057. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the David Kapral Memorial Fund, 3141 State Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.