Son-in-law Steven Leitner, on behalf of his wife Mary Ann and family, writes:

Anton Pace was born in Victoria, Gozo, in 1938, and was returned to God in November of 2013.

Anton Tabatu was a son of Jesus Christ. He was a proud child of Malta. No matter where he was, Malta and his patron saint of St George were never a moment’s thought from his mind.

Anton’s only meaning in life was his true devotion to Jesus Christ and his family. There was nothing that he would not accomplish for either. He was a teacher, but his gift, as such, went far outside the classroom. This was something that he put great importance to.

When he moved to the New York to be closer to his first grandchild, he never gave up teaching. We have all been so blessed to know a man of such knowledge, whose every word was a lesson, whose every thought we hung on, whose respect was earned just by meeting him. There is not a single soul in his life that Anthony John Pace did not teach or touch.

There was never a moment in his life that he did not spread the word of the Lord, never a second where everyone around him did not know of his conscious devotion to God.

The word that he spread through his daily ritual and beliefs bettered everyone around him. He brought those who were in the dark in to the light and those who doubted profound hope. Simply, he was an inspiration, sent by God to all those who met him, no matter who you were, no matter your situation. Anton was a path to our salvation.

Anton, because of our love for you, your kindness to us and your devotion to Jesus Christ, we know you walked directly into heaven into the arms of the Lord. We all here wait for the day to join you and celebrate your life in heaven.

The love for you on earth is overflowing. God bless you and may God keep you until we meet again in his kingdom.