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Anthony GRISANTI Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Anthony GRISANTI
Gary Berliner
June 13, 2025
Great Referee. Miss Him.
Joyce Gugino
June 13, 2025
Missing Tony more than words can explain or express. Gone but remembered with much love. Your Hon, Joyce
william gugino
December 3, 2024
It still feels like yesterday that you went to be with the Lord. Every day I think of you... Many precious memories over the years. I was honored to have you as my "Best Man," at my wedding and to name my son after you.
Eric J. Joseph
June 13, 2023
I met Tony in 1971. He taught Judo at ECC North. It changed my life. I've been training Judo ever since. He promoted me to Rokudan in 2013. One year before he passed. I was his first and only six degree black belt student. I will try and keep his memory alive thru my Judo students.
Mark Weidmann
June 13, 2023
Sensei, you are gone but your lessons and friendship will never be forgotten.
Donna & Dan Kogut
June 13, 2022
Today marks 9 yrs for Tony's sudden passing.
To my sister, Joyce & her family, the Grisanti & Rastelli families.
Goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean we will miss you until we meet again. Tony died as he lived everybody's friend. PEACE...
Joyce's sister
Your Hon, Joyce
June 13, 2022
Miss Tony more than ever!! The love of my life. I am grateful for the years we had together.
Cindy Chan
September 10, 2021
I'm sorry I wasn't there when Tony passed. He had the sweetest smile, and I know you miss him every day..
Mark Weidmann
July 7, 2021
Rest in peace, you taught me so much.
Donna Kogut
June 17, 2021
Today mark's 8 years since Tony's sudden passing. His memory lives on in all us. Rest in peace Tony until we are all reunited one by one. Watch over Joyce...
Eric J. Joseph
June 15, 2021
I met Tony in 1971 and he changed my life. For the next 50 years I've been studying Judo and it has become my passion. I believe it was Tony's passion also. Not a day goes by when I don't think about him. He is missed.
Joyce Gugino
June 14, 2021
Miss Tony beyond belief. Think of him EVERY DAY. I hold our memories in my heart. My world is not the same without him.
joyce gugino
July 3, 2019
Happy Birthday, Hon...........Wish you were here. Miss you so much, Love you, Your Hon, Joyce
joyce gugino
June 13, 2019
The love of my life, my rock..........missed beyond belief. Your Hon!!!
July 6, 2014
To: The Grisanti Family
From: The Gomez Family
We are so very sorry for your sudden lose. It was a shock to us. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
I was able to again tell my daughters about the "old school" Judo way of life.I cannot tell you how proud I am for my daughters to have known Tony because he is a shining example of how Judo can change our communities and the world for the better. My God hold you and keep you until we meet again.
Thomas, Maria, Daniela and Gabriela
joyce gugino
July 5, 2014
True love is true friendship and that is what Tony and I shared. Thank you Lord for putting Tony in my life, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Till we meet again, Hon I love you.
Tina Taylor
July 3, 2014
Happy Birthday to my Uncle Tony! It's only been a couple of weeks but we miss him so much already: ( He was an amazing, kind, funny and giving uncle. We loved him very much and his loss is felt by everyone he has touched, which is countless! He truly was a person that everyone respected and thought of as a friend. I hope you are golfing with my dad in Heaven! Joyce~I'm thinking of you and praying for God to comfort you... Love, Tina
Donna Kogut
July 3, 2014
July 3, 2014 marks Tony's first birthday in heaven. Rest in God's loving arms until we all meet again
one by one in a brighter tomorrow.
Donna - Joyce's sister
June 30, 2014
It was with great sadness hearing of Tony's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Joyce and the rest of the large close family. I knew Tony as he was growing up and we were all judo novices. He developed a wonderful judo club that taught a high level of judo but was also family oriented. I had been away for a number of years and would visit when I was in Buffalo. Tony was the same pleasant, caring person over all the years. He will be greatly missed. Dick and Dolores McKeever
Jackie Gallagher
June 28, 2014
Tony I still cannot believe you are no longer here. You truly were a very special person. My heart goes out to all of your family who I know loved you so very much. My heart especially goes to Joyce. You two had a beautiful relationship. I feel sad that Joyce no longer has you in her everyday life, I know she will miss you so much.
Will miss you my dear friend.
Luv,
Jackie Gallagher
Joyce Gugino
June 27, 2014
Thursday, July 3rd is Tony's Birthday, I would like everyone to wish him Happy Birthday. That will be a difficult day for me. I am empty without him.
June 26, 2014
I need to thank everyone for your loving thoughts of Tony. He is the love of my life and will be missed by so many people. We lost a gentle soul.
Judy Piwowar
June 26, 2014
I was saddened, especially for Joyce, to hear of Tony's death. Tony was a kind and friendly person. He gave me made rides home from Joyce's salon and was always very pleasant to be with. I will miss Tony's rides and his nice conversations and concerns. Thank you Joyce for arranging these rides.
Susie (Ruberto) Malthaner
June 24, 2014
Dear Joyce, my mom (Rosalie) just heard the news about Tony and I wanted to reach out to express my sincere condolences for your loss. May the deep love, friendship and years of beautiful memories that you shared together help you through this difficult time. As I watched my mom deal with the loss of my father years ago, I was so proud of the strength and courage that she summoned each and every day to carry on. It was family and friends like you, that helped her through such tough times. Joyce, you have always had a special place in my heart and I know that you will find that same strength in family and friends to carry you as well, one day at a time. All my love, Susie
Donna Kogut
June 23, 2014
To My Sister Joyce, Nephews, Bob & Bill and their families, the Grisanti family, Rastelli Family:
When you love deeply, you grieve deeply. Tony is not gone from everyone; he lives on in a better place. Someday we will all be reunited in a brighter tomorrow. Every 24 hours God gives us a fresh supply of His grace - take one day at a time be strong, keep the faith and be reassured you will come face to face with Tony again.
Our deepest condolences to all.
Love & God Bless ~ Donna & Dan
Paul Andruczyk
June 23, 2014
The Buffalo Golf Club is saddened to learn of the passing of one of it's newest members. Tony will be remembered with a moment of silence at our next club function on July 11th. His name will also be added to our deceased members plaque in the clubhouse.
God Bless,
Paul Andruczyk-Board Member BGC
Jason Muskopf
June 23, 2014
I will always remember going to Sensei Grisanti's dojo and him collecting paperwork for his small tournaments and clinics. He was always kind and very helpful. My prayers go out to his family and the people at the Kintora Dojo.
Chad Burke
June 22, 2014
Holy cow I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Tony's death. I had always viewed him as immortal! Although I left Buffalo years ago I never forgot Tony, the Grisanti family and all the fighters and friends at the Kin-Tora Judo Club. The club was a second home to me and instrumental in my growth and maturity, with Tony always being the center and focus. Thank you Tony for teaching me about Judo, friendship and how to grow up.
Fred Harris
June 22, 2014
Farewell to a great man and a legend in the sport of Judo. We will always remember the post AmCan beers and BBQ at Kin Tora. Condolences to all the Grisanti family, from the British Forces Judo Team.
Martha Boutet
June 22, 2014
I graduated from Ken West in 1968 with Tony. He was a very nice and handsome guy, polite and friendly to everyone. We missed him at our 45th reunion last Sept. 2013. It was wonderful to read about his successes, talents and family. I wish we had the chance to reconnect. Rest in peace, Tony. I send my condolences to his wife, Joyce and loved ones. from, Martha Boutet Ken West Class of '68
June 21, 2014
I am so touched by all the heartfelt messages of love for Tony. I lost my best friend, my rock, my partner in life for 40 years, my heart is broken.
Bob Zettl
June 21, 2014
I was on my way back home to Kitchener, Ontario from my National Grading in Montreal, Quebec when I received a call from Mitch Kawasaki & Brain Kalsen who were attending the Judo Canada AGM in Montreal as well. Mitch informed me of Tony's passing... I was shell shocked to hear this news. Tony's huge involvement in our Olympic Sport of Judo was very well known and greatly appreciated. For Tony, in my choice of words was a "Labour of Love" for him.
We, members of the Kaizen Judo Club & Fitness and the Zettl Family would like to express our sincere condolences to the Grisanti Family and to Tony's extended family for your loss.
Respectfully yours,
Tera Emerick
June 20, 2014
With our deepest sympathy.. All our condolences to your family. from the Emerick family. RIP Sensi Tony, you will be truly missed.
Paula Telesco
June 20, 2014
To the Grisanti family: I am so very sorry for your loss.
In sympathy,
Bernie Unger
June 20, 2014
Joyce, I am so sad to hear of Tony passing. You are in my prayers tonight. Also, Nick, I remember how deeply you cared for your Uncle. Tony was a great guy and will be missed by many.
George DeTitta
June 20, 2014
Joyce - from all of Tony's friends at MFB / HWI we send our condolences and assurances that Tony will be missed and not forgotten.
Darin leavell
June 20, 2014
R.I.P tony you will be missed
Doug,Denise Smith
June 20, 2014
You are truly missed. Rest in peace dear man.
David Leavell
June 20, 2014
You were a CLASS ACT, Dear Tony--Indeed! REST IN PEACE, Dear Gent--and may GOD both BLESS & KEEP you--Always! :O)
June 20, 2014
tony was very well liked and we miss him . penny (am can)
Maureen, Jeremy Cline
June 20, 2014
I was sadden by this news delivered to me on the evening of his death while I picked up my children from Grow With Us Daycare. Mr. Tony was a true gentleman and a wonderful man to my son and was lovely with my daughter. He will be missed. The Grow With Us Daycare family will miss his smile laughter and joy. I know my family will. May you Rest in Peace Mr. Tony and I will pray for the rest of the family and will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts.
Kin Tora Judo Main Street Buffalo NY
Paul Smardz
June 20, 2014
My personal condolences to all of the Grisanti family members and all who knew him. I wish I had a chance to thank him again for his kindness and openness in allowing me to train at his wonderful facility for over 20 years.
irene walker
June 20, 2014
Joyce & Family - my heart is broken and my soul heavy. I'm so sorry to hear about the unexpected loss of Tony - your friends are here for you. love you
Frank Vossen
June 20, 2014
Joyce, Marty, Bob, Billy and families, I was so sorry to learn of Tony's sudden passing. He was a good judo friend and I always looked forward to the many times that we refereed together in the US & Canada. I will miss his humour and friendship. May the many good memories of Tony keep you during this difficult time.
Frank Vossen
Chair - Judo Ontario Referee Committee
Pat Pierce
June 20, 2014
We were so sorry to hear about Tony. Randy and I both enjoyed working with him at judo tournaments. I'm sure God has a very special place for him. The entire family will be in my prayers. May He comfort you in this time of extreme loss.
Sheryl Jablonski Hoopes
June 20, 2014
To this day I remember the kindness shown, by Tony and his brother Marty, to all of the members of the Judo Club at Kenmore West in the early '70's. God speed, Tony.
Dean Gallagher
June 20, 2014
Joyce and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tony was a terrific man and will truly be missed.
June 20, 2014
Joyce and family, I am sorry for your loss. His dedication and love for his Judo family will be surely missed. It was an honor to know him. Lewis Palomeque
George Hoppes
June 20, 2014
May Peace Be With those who Tony touched as there are so many. And Peace to the family. I too was enriched by knowing Tony and learned many life lessons that went beyond Judo. Because of Tony and family I never forgot the principles I was taught, and I have taught others by His example. Peace be with You All.
Deborah Fergus
June 20, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Tony. My heart goes out to Joyce, Marty the boys, and the family.
Tony was a true inspiration and I will miss him as will all he touched.
June 20, 2014
joyce and family, I am sorry to hear of tony's passing. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. Your cousin Annamarie and Duane
barbara pennachio
June 20, 2014
Joyce, sorry for your loss
Joyce Gugino
June 20, 2014
I thank everyone for their love and support. Tony was my rock, my love and my soulmate for 40 years. I have been blessed and I will miss him beyond words.
Jim Doherty
June 19, 2014
On Behave of My Black Belts. Denis Wake 3rd Dan.
Gerry Tobias 3rd Dan. Don Tait 2nd Dan Express our condolences to the Cristanti Family on a very sad that he will not be doing what he loved to do JUDO and refereeing.
Scarborough Judo Centre
Jim Doherty 6th dan
Pan.American.International Referee
Paula B
June 19, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about Tony.He was a very nice, funny ,kindhearted man.I'm so sorry for his family also, it's a big loss.
Matt Langenbach
June 19, 2014
Tony, thank you for the day you and Marty came to Kenmore West High School 37 years ago. That single day ultimately shaped me into the person I am today. I am so grateful for your life and how you influenced and affected mine. Thank you forever.
June 19, 2014
Sensei Tony was the true definition of judo is not a sport its a way of life.
My family and i send our deepest sympathies to the Grisanti family and to our Judo family from Buffalo and the USA
Greg ,Leona and Patrick Butrey
Butch Skill
June 19, 2014
Dear Joyce, family, and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I have some of my best memories from Kin-Tora and Tony. Tony was a teacher, a friend, and an inspiration to me and will always be remembered.
May my prayers be with you.
Rest in peace my friend.
ken,cheryl, ken jr bachmann
June 19, 2014
weare so sorry for your loss Tony was a great man.he was great to all the children, he will be missed.
Jamie Guzzetta
June 19, 2014
My heart goes out to the family. Mr Tony was a great man and great teacher. He was one of my daughters judo instructors and daycare teachers. Very sad to hear this. Prayers to Grow With Us Daycare and Kin Tora Judo Club. Very sad, FLY HIGH!!!!!!
Kevin Osz
June 19, 2014
On behalf of the members of Bushido Kai Judo Club, I'd like to extend our sincerest condolences to Sensei Tony's family, friends, and fellow judoka. Although he left us too soon, we are all better off for having known him.
Darlene shafer (spinda)
June 19, 2014
So sorry for your families loss Tony was a great man and i will always remember how wonderful he was. I know he will be missed by everyone who ever met him. my Sincere condolences.
June 19, 2014
Joyce, Marty, Bob, Billy and all the Rastelli's..............we share in your sorrow. A dear friend and terrific human being has left us with great memories, lots of laughs and so much more. God's speed my friend.
June 19, 2014
I'am so sorry to hear of your loss ! I have fond memories of Tony Marty, Bobby and the girls at the judo club. I was just talking about it this week.. To Doris and the family you are in my thoughts and prayers . Love Rose (Knast) Lynch.
Judy Hartman McGuire
June 19, 2014
so very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He was quite guy --- always there to help someone out. I worked with Tony at Hauptman-Woodward. He will be missed by all who knew him
Bill Graves
June 19, 2014
Tony...you will be missed by me and all the judo referees who ever worked with you! It was wonderful to have known you. Peace be wiyh your friends and family!
Angie B.
June 19, 2014
R.I.P. Sensei Tony. I am so grateful to have known you. You were a wonderful teacher, kind, patient and caring.
June 19, 2014
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Anthony our hearts and prayers are with his family.
Daniel Brown Sr. and family
June 19, 2014
Dear Joyce, Marty and Family, The world has lost a very special person,May you find comfort in knowing he touched many lives thru the Judo Club and Day Care. I love your family. Kathy & Carl Piecki (Kathy DiGiacomo)
Denise Smith
June 19, 2014
Tony you will truly be missed by so many. You are very much admired, and loved. Prayers are with you always,
Denise Rastelli Smith
June 19, 2014
Joyce, I am so sorry to hear about Tony's passing. What a shock this must be for everyone. He is such a sweet and kind soul. You are so blessed to have loved and been loved by such a special man. God must have needed the best Judo referee for an event in Heaven and Tony is that referee so he called him home.
I will keep you and Tony in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sending you my condolences, my prayers and most of all my love.
May God be always in your heart. Love,
Your Goddaughter Trudy
June 19, 2014
Rest in Peace Sensei Tony. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Toby Moore & Kemba Smith
Luc Briand
June 19, 2014
Rest in peace, Tony.
Luc Briand, your friend referee from Canada
June 19, 2014
A gentleman of the Sport of Judo I have known Tony through my judo competitions with the Combined British Forces over a number of years he was always giving advice and offering friendship through his club a sad day may you rest in peace my friend Tom Moyse the Kodokwai Judo Club Great Britain
Mike Memminger
June 19, 2014
Tony was a great man who always made time for everyone. He made a difference in the lives of those around him, and I am grateful to have known him. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Kevin Hurley
June 19, 2014
RIP Sensei. Time to line up the angels for some chugari and randori.
Charlie Formosa
June 19, 2014
I have known Tony for many years as a judo referee officiating at competitions in both Canada and the States. I always looked forward to seeing him at competitions and shared many laughs. Tony will be a great loss to the judo community. My deepest condolences to all the family on your loss and always keep those wonderful memories close.
Mercedes Miles
June 19, 2014
I am deeply sorry for your loss xo
Mike Bonner
June 19, 2014
A long time good friend who will always be remembered as the kind gentle giant of a man he was. Golf with God Tony.
June 19, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. Tony was a wonderful man who will be missed. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Chris Fronckowiak
scott potter
June 19, 2014
Joyce and family, deepest sympathy for you and the family. My sincere regrets I can't pay my respects in person. I will be out of town.Times like this is so important to be surrounding with love.
Good team.
Gary Berliner
June 19, 2014
Prayers and Condolences for the family. Tony will be missed. Buffalo Boys!!!
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Patti Smith
June 19, 2014
Joyce ,I am so sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed ,Tony is in a better place , patiently waiting for his loved ones
Love .Patti and Fred
Jill
June 19, 2014
You were my favorite boss with the biggest heart. You touched so many lives with your words of wisdom. May you Rest at Peace.
June 19, 2014
Praying for the family of Tony. He was such a kind man; always made time to talk to the "Grow with Us" kids and always had a smile on his face for them. Our son Lucas loved talking with him and giving him high five. He certainly made a difference in their lives. All our love, Lex and Michelle Barker
Suzzette Sage
June 19, 2014
I'm so sorry I'm praying for you and the family Mr.Tony was a great man and a great friend and boss ...May god keep you strong love always Suzzette sage
Darlene Vega
June 19, 2014
I'm so sorry for your lost! Mr Tony was a Great Man.. My kids grew up at the daycare..The family owned business was just that to my kids.. a Family..He will be deeply missed and always respected. My Kids (Justin AKA "Bubba" & India) and I send our love and prayers to you and the entire "Grow With Us" Family during this time..May he rest Peacefully. God Bless
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