J. Anthony "Tony" Di Giore

What can you say about a guy like this? I´m sitting in Belgium with the Shape International Band performing for millions of people, and it all starting with lessons with Tony in a school garage. His passion for teaching and his love of music was infectious. Truly a gem that the community will miss.

I was Mr. DiGiore's case manager for some time, and let me tell you.. this man lit a fire in my soul. He was a fine gentleman who loved his family, friends, and community. He was so proud of the life he lived, and the people that were in it. There was a special twinkle in his eyes whenever he reminisced. It was such an honor to know him. He will always be remembered.

I was a music student of Mr. DiGiore at Main Street Elementary School and I was with him in the cafeteria getting a trumpet lesson on Nov 23, 1963 when we both heard from the custodian, Mr. Heineman, that President Kennedy had been shot. Mr DiGiore was the perfect person to get news like that with as a 10 year old kid because he was very reassuring and kind to me. Mr. Di Giore was a great teacher but an even greater person. He was patient, very nice and good-humored with kids and adults...

Mr. DiGiore was the band teacher for my friends and I at McDonough School in the late 60's. Because of him, we enjoyed the rest of our school years as members of the school band. I appreciate his dedication and patience.

I'm a member of Old Post Road Orchestra. I loved Tony's enthusiasm and always enjoyed it when he conducted us for the Stars and Stripes at the summer show. The orchestra has not performed for the summer show for the last few years, and we missed Tony. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Tony DiGiore's passing is the end of an era. A husband, father, teacher, musician, veteran, arts citizen, and most of all human. His humor and care for people and the arts were apparent everyday of his life. He and my father Joe Oneschuk Sr. were great friends and colleagues. Tony was the social media platform of his day - personally and professionally. His role as editor for the Massachusetts Music News publication was a codifiying force for music educators in MA and beyond. Just a few...

I had the pleasure of working with Tony for many years on the West Springfield Arts Council and never met anyone more devoted to the Arts then he. So sad to hear of his passing. Please accept my husband and my deepest sympathy. He was truly one of a kind....absolutely wonderful!!! And he will be missed.

I remember Mr. DiGiore, I took clarinet lessons with him many years ago (1982ish?) at Mittineague school. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing. He was very patient, even though it was not an instrument I was in love with. Condolences to his family.

Sending our love