“Big Tony”

Photographed by Paul Shoul

Memories

Loretta Alper: Big Daddy. Blasted polka from his boom box on Saturday mornings! Shoveled all the storefront sidewalks! They don’t make ’em like that anymore.

Frank Padellero: Tony asked what I did and I replied, “I fix guitars.” “You fix em real good dad?” I said “yes.” “You fix em when they’re broke on the inside?!?” I admitted, “even I can’t fix what’s broke on the inside, Tony.” He paused, wistful, “yeah dad” he said more softly than usual.

Marty Senser Blair: Big Daddy and he had the largest hands. Loved peeling onions at the Fair.

Christina Cronin: I was at the laundry mat on Pleasant street once and Tony came in with his was, stripped down to his boxers and put what he was wearing in with the rest.

Bill Rowe: I worked at Kinney shoes 77/78 part time. You could always count on seeing Tony.

Jotham Stavely: king of downtown! ♥️

Mary Ann Phelon: I remember Tony carrying his boom box on his shoulders and enjoying the music