Anthony Martori

1920 - 2018

Anthony Martori

Paradise Valley - Anthony Francis Martori

June 13, 1920 - June 3, 2018

The extraordinary life of Anthony Francis Martori came to an end on June 3, 2018, just shy of his 98th birthday. Tony outlived all seven of his siblings; his brothers Joe, Art, Steve, Ed, Peter and his sisters, Nancy and Rita. Along with his brothers, Tony left his family roots in New York City in the late 1940's and came to Arizona to pursue the family business of farming. Today, the fourth generation of the Martori clan continue the tradition that began in the 1920's when Peter Martori & Sons was established as the family's first commercial outlet at the Washington Market in New York City.

Tony never forgot those simple roots and remained an honest, kind and generous man who loved to make things grow. He loved Arizona, he loved his family, especially his cherished Ruthie, with whom he had the five children he adored and spoiled. His grandchildren, Tony, Sydney and Ruthie, were his pride and joy. Tony's friends were like family, he extended to them the same generosity of spirit and fierce loyalty that defined his life. He had a huge heart and hated suffering; so much so that no request for help went unanswered. His children were known to intercept the $100 bills he stuffed into envelopes in response to random mail solicitations.

Over the course of seven decades in Arizona, Tony left his mark on the business, social and philanthropic community. Along with his great friend, Bob Goldwater, Tony and his brothers founded Goldmar, a real estate and farming company. An avid golfer, Tony was a member of Paradise Valley and Phoenix Country Clubs. Along with his wife, he supported Barrow Neurological Institute, the American Heart Association and its annual Heart Ball, which Ruthie once chaired, and the Board of Visitors, where all his daughters and granddaughters were presented as Flower Girls.

While a student at Villanova, Tony was drafted, and like so many of the "greatest generation" he served willingly and bravely in the U.S. Army for the duration of World War II. While never one to complain, Tony acknowledged that his hearing was demolished by all the time spent in float planes rescuing survivors in the Mediterranean off the coast of Italy.

Tony is survived by his daughter, Nancy Dunlap (Loren); Paula Prikryl (Milan); Gina Martori (Patrick Robard) and Patty Martori. His only son, Joe Martori, predeceased him. Three grandchildren, Tony Prikryl, Sydney Kirsch (Tanner) and Ruthie Prikryl, loved their grandfather as much as he loved them and were blessed to have him as such and active and engaged part of their lives.

In celebration of Tony's life, a Rosary will be said on Wednesday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at Messenger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 7th at the Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central in Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests donations be made in honor of Tony to Barrow Neurological Foundation, 124 W. Thomas Road, Ste. 250, Phoenix, AZ 85013 or Mayo Clinic, 13400 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259.