Anthony Joseph Principe

Anthony Joseph Principe, 70, of Rehoboth, MA passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 2, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Marcia B. (Quito) Principe for the last 44 years.

Born in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Anthony and Nicolina (Bonanno) Principe. He was a member of the 1971 graduating class of Bristol High School.

Anthony was an educator for the Newton Public School system for many years before his retirement. He was also a Pop Warner Football coach for many years. In his free time, he enjoyed the beach, skiing, and playing tennis. Most of all though Anthony, “Papa”, loved to spend time with his family.

For 34 years, Anthony was the heart of Newton South High School’s Special Education Department. He began teaching in January 1978, working with the multi-handicapped population in a program called Life Skills. Anthony’s commitment and contributions to accessible learning continued in programs that included Turnaround, Compass, Learning Center and The Learning Program. Blessed with the ability to connect with almost anyone, Anthony was a powerful advocate for his students, instilling confidence and cultivating lifelong friendships.

Following retirement, Anthony continued this work, helping to found AutismSees, a startup providing tools for those on the autism spectrum to improve non-verbal communication. Once in the entrepreneurship community, Anthony consulted with other education startups, helping improve the accessibility of emerging education technologies. Alongside his entrepreneurial efforts, Anthony remained in the classroom throughout retirement as a substitute teacher, continuing to work with students, supporting their learning and impacting their lives.

Anthony, or "Coach P", loved football, first as a player and later as a coach. He brought his insight, humor, and love of the game to the Newton South football team for years as an assistant coach, but his greatest joys in football came prior, coaching his son Anthony Peter in Barrington Pop Warner. A generation of Barrington football players remember Coach P and his infectious enthusiasm for the game. He continued sharing his love of football, most recently by coaching his granddaughter, and his broader love of sports with his family, particularly the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Yankees/Red Sox rivalry.

Anthony’s love and commitment to his students was overshadowed only by his love and commitment to family. He shared his childhood with his older siblings Mike, Phyllis and Dot, and remained close throughout his life. As a young man, he met the love of his life, Marcia Quito and together they created their own family, raising two children, Joanna and Anthony. Memories of those years are filled with family and friends…gathered for dinner, evenings around a fire, and long days on Nauset beach followed by black raspberry ice cream at the Sundae School.

When their children headed to college, Anthony and Marcia returned to Bristol, living part time in Boston and ultimately residing in Rehoboth. Anthony and Marcia loved traveling, and in retirement were able to travel more, exploring the world together and discovering new experiences to share with those they loved. Most recently, Anthony’s attention focused on his three granddaughters and one grandson. Papa was a fixture in their lives, attending numerous soccer games, hockey games, and dance recitals. His pride in his grandchildren filled his life with stories and pictures.

In addition to his loving wife Marcia, Anthony is also survived by his children: Joanna Beth Zesk (Walter) and Anthony Peter Principe (Stephanie); his grandchildren: Noelle Beth Zesk, Corinne Josephine Zesk, Serafina Isabella Principe, Anthony Joseph Principe; his siblings: Michael Principe (Patricia) and Phyllis Augor (Tom); and many extended family and friends.

He was pre-deceased by his parents: Anthony and Nicolina; and his sister Dorothy “Dotty” Principe.

Visiting Hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 4-6:30 PM with an In House Service at 6:30 PM. Burial will be private.

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