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Anthony Brazis

1945 - 2023

Anthony Brazis obituary, 1945-2023, Albuquerque, NM

BORN

1945

DIED

2023

Anthony Brazis Obituary

Anthony (Tony) Brazis

January 16,

1945 -

February 16,

2023





On Thursday, February 16, 2023, our beloved Tony sang his last song on Earth on his way to the Garden of Paradise. We remember him as a loving, talented husband & father, who touched many lives with his music, kindness, friendship, hugs, and playful sense of humor. Survived by his wife of 43 years, Madelyn (Katy) Zownir Brazis and daughter Valerie Brazis James; sister Irene Anderson, Melody Zownir and Jim Bess, Linda and John Potts, nieces, nephews, and many special friends and musicians.

Born in Lithuania, Tony, along with his mother and siblings, immigrated to the United States, ultimately landing in Cleveland, Ohio. After learning English he became a prolific singer/songwriter and guitarist as leader of "Tony and the Bandits" and later the "Tony Brazis Group". Tony and the Bandits recorded several '45s' on Decca/Coral Records in the 1960's, including "It's a Bit of Alright", which he performed on the TV show Shindig (on YouTube). He appeared on many stages across the US including the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and The Summer of Love music festival in Ohio with his professional singer/songwriter daughter Val James.

Tony attended John Carroll University and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, earning his Bachelor's in English. He moved to Albuquerque, NM in the early 1970's and was Business Manager of UNM Hospital and UNM Family Practice, eventually becoming an independent insurance broker. Tony was a highly revered and accomplished performer in the Southwest, writing over 70 songs and recording 5 albums!

Tony and his family moved to Cedar Crest in the early 1980's, where he enjoyed basking in the sun on the back deck, playing guitar, singing to the sky and trees and to all who stopped by. He loved sitting in the boat and fishing on Heron lake, playing music with family and friends at holiday parties, cooking Tony's famous potatoes, watching thunderstorms over magic mountain and stargazing. He also served as President of the Sierra Vista Neighborhood Association and the Brazos Condo Association near Chama, NM.

He was preceded in death by his mom, Stella Brazis, his adoptive father, Anthony Brazis, and brother Edward Brazis, and his mother and father in law, Josephine and Michael Zownir.

The Brazis Family would like to extend a most sincere Thank You to our supportive friends and family and to his many caregivers from UNM Hospital and UNM Family Practice, Four Hills Beehive Assisted Living, and Presbyterian Hospice. In lieu of flowers please support children's music education through donations to the New Mexico Jazz Workshop Youth Education Program in Tony's name at

www.NMJazz.org or consider planting a tree in Tony's Grove, in his honor at

www.treesforachange.com. Find Tony's music on Amazon Music, YouTube, and play it loud!

As Tony would say, "If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture." A musical celebration for Tony will be held later this spring, announcements to follow. Please visit our online guestbook with Riverside to share your special memories of Tony.

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

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Mar. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Brazis

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Catherine Overton

June 13, 2024

Tony was my friend, boss, co-worker. I worked with him any years. I just recently saw that he had passed and want to give you my deepest condolences. He was a wonderful person, a great friend, boss and great musician. I want to offer my condolences to his family.

Joe Zaucha

May 6, 2024

Tony was a classmate at Cathedral Latin and a Bandmate in the early 1960's. A great singer, musician and writer.

Joe Zaucha

Donald Mangus

March 14, 2024

Tony was a lifelong friend whom I knew from my teenaged days growing up in Ohio, he taught me the fundamentals of operating a band and songwriting and shred his guitar talents which I still carry until this day . I enjoyed traveling with his band and doing artwork for Tony and the Bandits , his return to summer of love concert was my dream for him for over 40 + years and he made us all proud . Be ing the forerunner of his band which became the Lemon Pipers . He has left a legacy of unfounded memories and music . He gave me the privilege of re-releasing a couple of his songs on my latest album Rhode Runners revisited and visited. With him and Katy in Arizona .. So sad to hear of his passing ... His legacy lives on in my heart and music! See you on the other side of Jordan my friend!

Dennis J klukan

March 9, 2024

Played several gigs with Tony. Knew him from Benedictine. R. I . P. Old friend.

Tim Keyes

September 29, 2023

Thanks for your wonderful friendship in the 1970's. You were a great friend. God bless.

James Bridgeford

June 10, 2023

So sad to hear Of Tonys passing. I new him when in was 16 and a wonderful , kind young talented man. He touched my heart! Condolences to his family and friends
Connie Watson bridgeford

John Lisansky

June 5, 2023

Dear Katy and Val
Our heartfelt sympathies
Sincerely
Donna and John Lisansky

Flora Marie Hendren

March 22, 2023

I am so sorry to learn of Tony´s passing. I worked with Tony many years ago. He was always so kind, always encouraging and an absolute gentleman. How I appreciated his friendship. May you rest in God´s eternal peace.

Marti

March 8, 2023

I remember Tony and listen to his wonderful music. He played at my sisters wedding. Tony and Katy and Phil and I went to Elephnt Butte several times.

Dorothy L Rogers

March 6, 2023

Dear Katy and Valerie, I was very saddened as I read of Tony's passing. I met the three of you here at Woodmark and was privileged to hear Tony and Valerie sing and play your special music. I am so sorry for your loss and pray comfort from our Heavenly Father for all the days ahead. I am also privileged to have your CDs. Sincerely with love, Dorothy Rogers #412

Blane Sloan

March 6, 2023

I am very sad to hear of the passing of my musical brother Tony. I spent many hours with him in the studio recording several of his CD´s. Tony always lit up my day when he came to the studio with his big bear hugs and wonderful musical talent and sense of humor. He was always in a good mood working on his songs. He was such a talented songwriter and singer and always had such a positive attitude about life and family. I know he will be missed greatly by all that knew him. My deepest sympathies to Katy and Val

Dorothy L Rogers

March 5, 2023

Dear Katy and Valerie, I was saddened today as I saw your very dear one's obituary. So very sorry for your loss. Valerie, I am thankful for the CD of your songs and the CDs from your Dad's music too. May our Heavenly Father give comfort for you both in all the days ahead. With love and prayer, Dorothy Rogers, Woodmark AL.

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