Antone J. Regula 1923-2002

Riverhead native and former town councilman Antone "Tony" J. Regula died on June 21 at Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook, where he had lived for almost two years. He was 79.

Mr. Regula was born on Marcy Avenue in Riverhead to Walter and Mary Regula on Jan. 23, 1923. He attended Riverhead schools. He joined the Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and when he returned home, he and his parents owned and operated Regula's Corner, a catering business in Polish Town. He once booked the Jimmy Dorsey Band to play there and, according to local legend, the event was so packed people danced on the sidewalks.

Mr. Regula married Margaret Crane in 1950 and became a liquor salesman for Peerless Importers, a position from which he retired in 1993.

Meanwhile, he was very active in community affairs. He was a charter member of the Riverhead Moose Club and one of the founding members of the Polish Town Civic Association, of which he was the second president. He belonged to the VFW and volunteered in the Riverhead Fire Department for 50 years.

Elected in 1980 to the Riverhead Town Board, he was instrumental in establishing the Riverhead Ambulance Corps. He belonged to St. Isidore's R.C. Church in Polish Town.

Mr. Regula is survived by his children, Antone Jr., of Aquebogue, Deborah Hallock of Northville, and Barbara and William, both of Riverhead; three grandchildren; and a brother, Stanley, of Florida. He was predeceased by his wife in 2000.

Visiting hours were June 23 at F.J. McLaughlin Funeral Home in Riverhead, and funeral services were held June 24 at St. Isidore's. Father Joseph Walas officiated. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery.