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Anthony Tortora Obituary

Tortora, Anthony ALBANY Anthony Tortora, 47, passed away after a brief and sudden ailment, April 9, 2008, at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany. Born in Queens, N.Y., a resident of Bethlehem for over 18 years. Loving husband to his wife Tina Tortora; devoted father to their daughter, Gena Mari Tortora; their son, Andrew Tor-tora; his daughter, Jacquelina Tortora; loving son to his mother, Jacqueline Squitieri; his mother-in-law, Iphigenia Topalt-zas; his brothers, Claude and Vincent (Sarah) Tortora and late brother, Andrew Tortora; and brothers-in-law, John (Julie) Topaltzas, Jim (Maribel) Topalt-zas, Diamond (Maria) Psarianos and George (Lisa) Miller. Anthony is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends. A respected coach for Guilderland Pop Warner, Anthony enjoyed life, especially time spent sharing laughter and good cheer with the people he loved; Anthony's humanity did not stop with those deemed close; rather he extended his support and compassion to all. Committed to improving the lives of all those he touched with his ambition and discipline. A true giant amongst giants for that reason the people he left behind will glue the painful pieces together to honor his life. Anthony, in our hearts and thoughts, lovingly today and always. Service will be held Saturday, 11 a.m. at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany. Relatives and friends are also invited to call Friday 4 to 8 p.m. at the Tebbutt Funeral Home, 633 Central Avenue, Albany. A Trisagion Memorial Service will be held Friday 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Albany.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albany Times Union from Apr. 11 to Apr. 12, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Tortora

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Lisa

April 4, 2009

Anthony, has it been a year, still feels like yesterday,,,reality is worse than the initial shock, nothing is normal, life is out of balance. Looking for a path that makes sense, empty moods, world is spiraling....unbelievable state of affairs. You would have something to say, but you would be positive...no blame just history repeating itself, the old timers survived with much less.......you'd say...simplify it helps. I miss u, we all miss u......some can speak to the pain, some can't forget..., others just feel numb, some have moved on but keep looking back just in case there was some kind of mistake----once corrected, pooffff your here....crazy dreams, finally got to see you, brought some peace, I could not recall any until then, some good some better off without.... Tears are not enough but they help, cleansing the obvious,,,hugs/heart to heart today and always you are so close yet so far from us----looking for any distraction, not easy but trying to help those most impacted..milestones are vacant, but we try....interesting the things you miss the most..........Luv ya today and always...

dina frangiamone

September 29, 2008

tina
im speachless. i am so so sorry for your loss. silipiteria.
sagapo,
dina

Sherre Piantanida (Hilty)

May 1, 2008

I was saddened to hear about Tony's sudden passing. I was one of many friends Tony had in High School at McBurney and although I hadn't seen Tony in many, many years, he's someone who I will always remember. It's obvious that he was a special person and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Mark & Celeste Partak

April 21, 2008

Tina,
We were very very sad to hear of Tony's passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Giselle Edelhofer Taylor

April 19, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Tony's family and friends. I went to McBurney with Tony, my friend Sherre and I would go to all the football and Wrestling matches to cheer Tony and the team on. I can still picture Tony in that funny wrestling suit and his big smile. He was a sweet, loyal, protective friend in school and it sounds like that never changed.

Darryl Hayes

April 17, 2008

I am very sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was my teammate in both football and wrestling in high school.
My deepest sympathy to his family.

Scott Wernick

April 17, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Barry Ward

April 17, 2008

This is truly sad news. I think Gentle Giant comes very close to capturing the spirit of Tony. And if, like my fellow McBurney '78 alum Sal Patalano, I had not spoken to Tony in a number of years, yet to anyone who spent any time at all with Tony, he was the kind of friend who you would always wonder about; who you would hope was doing well, wherever he was. It's an added shame that it comes so close on the heels of the McBurney family getting together just a few weeks ago. I will always cherish the memories I shared with Tony while attending high school with him and, especially, those shared battles we waged on the football field and on the wrestling mat, where Tony always distinguished himself with his spirit and his skill -- as well as being the best teammate anyone could with for, someone you knew had your back at all times. My sympathies and condolences to his family, who lost a great man who overcame a lot of struggles in his life to become a person no one will ever forget.

Matt Sicilian Class of '79

April 17, 2008

The McBurney family is deeply saddened by Tony's death. I speak on behalf of my brothers Mike and Paul and our dad, Iron Mike Sicilian, who was Dean of Students at the school, and we offer our deepest sympathies to your family. I'm sure Tony and Iron Mike had more than a few private moments to discuss Tony's zest for having fun. I recall many mornings down in "The Commons" where Tony could be quite entertaining, to say the least.

Thomas Monaco

April 17, 2008

My profound sympathies go to all the Tortora family on this unbelievably shocking loss of a truly wonderful person. It was my privilege to coach and teach Tony at the former McBurney school in NYC. He was "recruited" as a big football player but became, in short order, a respected and loved member of the McBurney family far beyond any athletic position. My family left New York for the midwest some 25 years ago and I did not even realize that Tony and his family had moved to the Albany area where we have a number of my wife's family as well as a summer cabin on a lake in the Adirondacks. This notice came via Stuart Mitchell and his newly created McBurney connections.
We will pray for the family in this time of sadness and also for Tony though I have no doubt he is already pleasing his god and making the angels laugh!

Mary Kinigopouls-Stakias

April 17, 2008

Dear Tina, Andrew and Gena,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sal Patalano

April 16, 2008

Tina & Family,

I feel a bit awkward signing this book having not spoken with Tony in almost 25 years!! Let me begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to you, your family, and the entire community. Clearly, Tony touched many, many lives and was deeply loved. What more can anyone ask for than to be loved?

Ironically, I had just made contact with Tony 10 days ago via email (following our 30 year high school reunion), and was anxiously looking forward to speaking with him. We were very close friends in high school. Growing up in Astoria, playing ball together at McBurney Prep and prowling the streets of Manhattan. We shared good times and bad... we were friends... and my hope was that we would be again.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sal, Joyce & Gina Patalano

Rob, Jen, Tori, Nick & Marisa Giuliano

April 15, 2008

Dear Tortora Family-

From the first day we met Tony, we knew he was an awesome guy!! Some people you just connect with and he was definitely one of those people . . .

It was a shock to our family when we learned of this tragedy and cannot even begin to express to you our deepest and heartfelt sympathies. GPW and the entire community have lost a very special and caring man, son, husband, father, coach and friend. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that we will keep your family in our hearts and prayers.

The Giuliano Family

Mary Lee lawender

April 14, 2008

teenie Beenie, I am praying for you every day and at night when I wake up. I will see you May 5th. Love, Mary Lee

frank finn

April 13, 2008

anthony,i will bet u will always be my coaching angel on my shoulder.i will miss u so much,and no question you will never be replaced.from all of us,i still cant believe your gone.best friends for ever......coah finn

Zelindo Viscusi

April 13, 2008

With deepest sympathy to the Tortora Family, we are surely going to miss a great person.

THE BOGDONOWICZ FAMILY DEBBIE, WALTER & BAYLY

April 13, 2008

Tina, Andrew and Gena,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. The pain and sorrow of losing such a "gentle giant" is heartbreaking to our family especially for my brother Frank. Anthony will not only be missed for his smile and compassion for others but also for always making us laugh (especially for the many "scares" in price chopper) and for always, always his cooking. He truly was and always will be rembered as a "giant" of a man.

Julie Murphy

April 13, 2008

Dear Tina, Andrew and Gena;
May God bless you all during this very difficult time. We are comforted to know that Coach T is a great place now. It is hard for all of us to realize his loss and just how much his presence within the Guilderland community meant whether it was on the GPW fields or at a camp event. To us it seemed like family was a very important part of his life. We will miss him dearly.
Love,
The Murphy's

Jan Kalinski-Garcia

April 12, 2008

Dear Tina, Gena, and Andrew,

Both my family and I are so very sorry to have learned of Tony's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for you all. If there is anything you need, even if it is just an ear to listen, please do not hesitate to call me.

Jackie Szczepanik

April 12, 2008

Tina,

My heart goes out to you and your family during this painful time. MY prayers are with you and remember that Anthony spirit will by carriered on everytime all the kids play on that field with all the guidance and team spirt he gave them. We will surly miss him but he will never be forgotten at GPW.

Jason Seeberger

April 12, 2008

Uncle Tony... you will be missed! Still remember the times you took Mike and I to all the firebird games..and i dropped the ball!! You were def. the man, and kept the crew straight! Love Jason and Lisa Seeberger

Petra,Bob, Danielle and Zach Malitz

April 12, 2008

Dear Tortora Family,
our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. May your memories carry you through the days ahead. Tony was a great guy and a great coach with so much love for his family and sports. What a role model he was.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Malitz Family

Sean, Conor, Kevin and Suzanne Quinn

April 12, 2008

Tina, Andrew and Gena, We were very shocked and saddened to learn of your immeasurable loss. Tony was a great guy; caring, generous, funny and intelligent --- larger than life in so many ways. You have our deepest condolences at this most difficult time.

Gary and Donna Askew

April 12, 2008

Dear Tina,
Our hearts are saddened with the loss of Tony. He was a great dad and the love for his children showed proudly on his face. We had many good laughs on the side lines of the soccer fields. He was so proud of Andrew's soccer accomplishments and Gena's singing with the Capital District Youth Chorale. Tony will be missed by many. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

Claudia Wine

April 11, 2008

coach T. You will be greatly missed. Its going to be an adjustment going to the field and not seeing you there. but your spirit will always be felt.You have had such an impact on Michael's life. You really toughed him up. and even though he was one of the smaller kids. You made him feel like a giant. Tina you and the family will be in our hearts and prayers.
The wine family,
Vincent,Claudia,Michael & Aiden

Beth Plue

April 11, 2008

Tina,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful husband and father. He really made the children at GPW feel like a team. As our girls stood on the sidelines cheering for his team, he was always smiling at the cheerleaders and thanking them. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Beth Plue and Family

MAJOR Andrew R. Young

April 11, 2008

I first met Anthony when he coached my son, Andrew, in GPW in 2006. We were going to coach together but my family was transfered to Washington, DC. Anthony was a great role model and super coach. My son adored him. His warmth and ability to inspire will be missed. He will always be a hero and never forgotten!

Laurie, Russ, James, Julia, Zachary & Benjamin Hilton

April 11, 2008

Tina,
Our family was so very shocked and saddened to hear about Anthony. He was a wonderful coach to our son Zachary and we will miss him very much. We can only imagine what you and Gena and Andrew are going through right now and want you to know that our prayers are with you. We appreciated Anthony's football coaching, but mostly the way he taught the boys to work together as a team, be the best they could be, and have good sportsmanship. These are the most important lessons a coach of young boys can offer and Anthony did it so well. We know the boys won't forget. He talked about how much he loved his family and how he loved spending time together. I pray you will feel the prayers of family and friends and God's comfort. Zach would like to tell Andrew how sad he is for him and that he hopes to see him soon.

Sabrina Appleby and family

April 11, 2008

My heart is heavy with the loss of Tony. I will miss his hugs, hearing him yell "Hey little red", his big smile and his love for everyone.
Anyone who knew Tony knew how much he loved his family, life and the children who were lucky enough to have him as a coach. GPW lost a wonderful dad, coach and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Tina and the kids.
With our deepest sympathy, Sabrina, Wade and Anna

Gina Ferrusi

April 11, 2008

Tina and Family,
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the children. I have fond memories of Tony from when I was a kid. I remember he was always joking and making us laugh even though he would pick on my "witch eyes"! I hope that you are all able to find comfort in your memories and support in your friends and family. Know that our family is here for you. As we have been through it before we know how difficult this loss can be, especially for the kids. Please contact me if you need anything.
Sincerely,
Gina Ferrusi

The Lefavour Family

April 11, 2008

Our prayers are with you and your family.

Steve Wacksman

April 11, 2008

Tina an Family - I am so very sorry to learn of the unexpected loss of Tony. In my eyes, Tony was someone who would always go out on a limb to help everyone that he could and he always greeted you with a huge hug. My family and I will always remember Tony for his strength and dedication that he showed to our Guilderland Family. Tony will be missed greatly.

Melissa Loson

April 11, 2008

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to check in with you, as will my sister's family, to offer any assistance and support during this deeply challenging loss.

Ted Kondoprias

April 11, 2008

Our hearts are saddened by your loss.
Tony was a good guy. We'll miss him.

Our thoughts are with you and yours.

Ted & Felia Kondoprias

The Breton Family

April 11, 2008

We are so sad to hear of Anthony's passing. Our son, Mikey, loved having him for a coach last season in GPW. Mikey will always remember that Coach Anthony taught him how to be a football player. He will be missed.

April 11, 2008

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

Stephanie, Brittany, Laure & Gary Lee

April 11, 2008

We are so sorry for your loss. Anything you may need, just ask. You are not alone, everyone is thinking of you in this time of need.

Francine Barrett

April 11, 2008

Tina I can not tell you how sorry I am to hear about Tony. You know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will always be here if you need me for anything. Tony was a great person, and he will be missed by many. You two were always there for me and my children and I would like to return the favor. Please don't hesitate to call me for anything. Love Fran and Scott

The Scarantino Family

April 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

GILDA FAKE

April 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Phil Melecio

April 11, 2008

My deepest condolences to the Totora family.
I really respected Coach as he taught my boys that discipline, citizenship and football go hand in hand.
I will miss speaking and seeing him on the field.

The Tubbs Family

April 11, 2008

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Philip Kopach

April 11, 2008

Sorry for your loss.

Stephanie Sheehan

April 11, 2008

Tina, Gena, and Andrew, the Sheehans will miss Anthony so very, very much.For me, I will miss his big hugs everytime I saw him, and I will miss the wonderful coaching he gave Conor. No one can replace him for the way all the kids felt about him as a coach. I have never seen anyone create team spirit like Anthony. And for Denis, I know he would say he will miss Anthony's loyalty and friendship which can never be replaced. Anthony was the best, the GPW community will never be the same. Denis and I are both so grateful for the time we were lucky enough to have Anthony as a friend. Tina-- thanks for sharing so much of him with GPW!!

Patty & Katy Zuchowski

April 11, 2008

Anthony made a lasting impression on me the first time I met him. We spent several rainy hours as chaperones following our daughters around 6 Flags on a school trip. He was a great conversationalist and made the day pleasant and entertaining despite the not so perfect weather conditions. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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