Anthony T. Carsola

Carsola, Anthony T., Esq. (83) Farewell to the "Godfather" of Independent Adoption Beverly Hills Family Law Attorney for over 50 years Anthony T. Carsola died peacefully at 83 in Santa Monica. Son of Thomas and Margaret Carsola, brother of Alfred Carsola, all deceased. Survived by his sister Rita Carsola, two daughters Shari Keniston and "adopted" daughter Diana Carsola, ex-wife and lifetime friend Janet Carsola. A special thanks to Msgr. Lloyd A. Torgerson for last rights and presiding over our Memorial Mass. After years of care-giving by Diana, Tony's last few months were lived at Pacific Convalescent Center (close to home), being tended to with dignity. A devoted Catholic, he ushered at Good Shepard, St. Paul's, attended Saint Monica's Church - Tony was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus and UCLA Newman Club. Born in Los Angeles, January 21, 1922. Entered UCLA 1943. Proudly served our country in World War II as a Lieutenant in the US Navy aboard USS Twining DD-540 in Saipan, Tinian, South Palau and ending his time in Pearl Harbor where he was influential in coordinating troop/ship returns. Graduated UCLA as Class President 1947 and presented the class gift, a marble-based sundial positioned behind the UCLA Library - Phi Delta Phi 1948 - Graduated Loyola Law School in 1950, certified and admitted an Attorney and Counselor at Law in 1951 by the Supreme Court of the State of California and the California State Bar. Tony's passion was law and he is best known as the Pioneer Advocate for Independent Adoption beginning in the 1960's. His crusade to save the unborn child, offer a choice to mothers and hope for couples, brought hundreds of families together. We've kept photos and cards sent from adoptive families during holiday seasons past - he was grateful to have found his life's work so rewarding. Tony was old school, a lawyer's lawyer and a gentleman. A charismatic circuit speaker who had a photographic memory and showman's personality; he would walk into a room and take over. Some lawyers and judges remember him as the flamboyant character who walked into a court room, took of his Stetson, and sailed it 30 feet through the crowd to hit it smack dab on the coat rack - the hat hung and people cheered. Others still, hear him say, "If you play you pay... If you breed um you feed um... and Free love is the most expensive kind." Rest well Counselor, you will be missed! xoxo D.D.D. Memorial Service Tues., Dec. 20th, 10:00 a.m., at Saint Monica's Church, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 one block north of Wilshire at Lincoln Blvd. and 7th street; parking at the church. In lieu of flowers please send condolence cards and stories of how you knew Tony attn: Diana Carsola, 2554 Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 1077, Marina del Rey, CA 90291. Also for condolences or further donation info. email: farewellatc@yahoo.com Donations to Beverly Hills Optimist Club (Optimist International Friends of Youth and Adoption Services), or your favorite charity in Tony's name.