Deacon Phillip Amantia 1944–2024

Deacon Phillip Amantia, a deacon for the Diocese of Buffalo, passed away on July 29, 2024.

Born Oct. 11, 1944, to Christopher and Rose (Gerbasi) Amantia, Deacon Amantia graduated from Aquinas Institute in Rochester in 1962. Then he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Trine University in Angola, Indiana, and an MBA from SUNY Binghamton.

Deacon Amantia spent four years in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant. After receiving his honorable discharge, he worked for Bendix Corporation in Sidney. He moved to Buffalo in 1984 to work for Delaware North, after which he opened his own accounting practice in Williamsville.

He was ordained for the Diocese of Buffalo in June 2003. He celebrated many baptisms, led pre Cana classes, and performed outreach to the sick and homebound through St. Gregory the Great Parish. He also ministered at Wende Correctional Facility and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.

After retiring in 2006, Deacon Amantia enjoyed doing remodeling work for family and friends. He also loved to fish and hunt with his father-in-law, brother-in-law and Pennsylvania friends. He was given faculties in the Diocese of Phoenix and spent the winter months in Arizona with his two sons and their families.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Petronilla Maloney; his children Nina Carozza, Philip Amantia Jr., and Joseph Amantia; grandchildren Nathan and Gianna Carozza, Massimo, Gabriella, Angelo and Dominic Amantia; and his brother, Vincent.

Visitation will be at the Perna-Dangler Roberts Funeral Home on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2-6 p.m.

Vigil Prayers with deacons will be celebrated the same day at 3 p.m. at the Funeral Home, located at 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, Aug. 5, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Parish, 200 St. Gregory Court in Williamsville. Bishop Michael W. Fisher will be the main celebrant.