Antoinette Pantuosco

Antoinette (Babe) Pantuosco, 95, passed into eternal life on Friday, September 16, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in West Albany, NY on June 12, 1927. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Louis of 67 years and her son Francis (Robin) of New Hartford, CT.

Babe was the “original soccer mom” best known for attending soccer games for three generations of Pantuoscos. She was featured on the cover of Soccer America and frequently noted in the Springfield Republican as the matriarch of the first family of soccer. Babe was a fixture in the local soccer landscape, never missing a game whether it was local youth soccer or the many significant family high school and college championships. To honor Babe and Lou, Cathedral High School presented them with their Service Award for over 50 years of continuous support.

In her career as the private chef for the Bishop, Babe’s culinary skills were legendary in the Diocese of Springfield. Her sauce and meatball recipes are the corner stone of the family cookbook. In her retirement, she was a dedicated volunteer at the Shriner’s Hospital for 25 years, contributing over 10,000 hours of service.

She was founder and president of the Belles of the Ball bowling league. She also enjoyed playing pitch with family and friends. Everyone who visited the Pantuosco’s East Springfield home, treasured Babe’s family stories. Guests never left the house without a full stomach and a fuller heart.

Babe was also a faithful communicant for over 50 years at St. Mary’s Church.

She leaves her children: Barbara of Agawam, Joe (Pat) of Longmeadow, LouAnne Tremblay (Mark Clefe) of Georgia, Michael (Luci) of Ellington, CT, John (Shelly) of Somers, CT, Dr. Louis (Sherri) of York, SC, her 15 cherished grandchildren: Lynn Pantuosco-Hensch (Jamie), Gina Pantuosco (Chris Orszulak), Toni Pantuosco, Kristin Tremblay, Jesse, Luke, Carla (Lawrence Shieh), Andrew (Mary), John Jr., and Nick Pantuosco (Ellen), Lucia DaPrato (Nick), Joey, Alissa, Samantha, and Angela Pantuosco; her great grandchildren: Alex, Drew, Charlie, and Zach Hensch, Joe, Elizabeth, Ryan and Catherine Orszulak, Daniel Pantuosco, Adrianna Pantuosco, Annie DaPrato, Nora Pantuosco; and her many dear nephews and nieces. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, from 4-7pm, Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main St. East Longmeadow MA Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 9:30am at the funeral home, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Church at 1900 Allen St. in Springfield. Her family has requested that memorial donations be made in her memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA, 01104. For more details please visit: https://www.forastiere.com.