Tony P. "Harpo" Siciliano

1925 - 2001

"THIS IS MY QUEST,
TO FOLLOW THAT STAR,
NO MATTER HOW HOPELESS,
NO MATTER HOW FAR;
TO FIGHT FOR THE RIGHT
WITHOUT QUESTION OR PAUSE,
TO MARCH INTO HELL
FOR A HEAVENLY CAUSE!
AND I KNOW IF I'LL ONLY BE TRUE
TO THIS GLORIOUS QUEST,
THAT MY HEART WILL LIE PEACEFUL AND CALM,
WHEN I'M LAID TO MY REST.
AND THE WORLD WILL BE BETTER FOR THIS:
THAT ONE MAN, SCORNED AND COVERED WITH SCARS,
STILL STROVE WITH HIS LAST OUNCE OF COURAGE,
TO REACH THE UNREACHABLE STAR."

From The Impossible Dream
Lyrics by Joe Darion


Born on August 12, 1925, Tony P. Siciliano, nicknamed "Harpo" for his curly hair, was the second of three sons born to John and Mary Siciliano, Italian immigrants who came to this country in the early 1900s. His was a large family of eleven children who were raised near Taylor and Halsted Streets in Chicago - where now stands the campus of the University of Illinois - Chicago. Michael, the oldest of the sons passed on in his early twenties. Rose, the eldest daughter, passed on at age four. Two other daughters were stillborn. Of the surviving children in the early 1940's, there were Mary, Nancy, Tony, Connie, Sam, Anne and Grace (picture on photo page). Their father, John, from Naples, Italy, worked first as a barber and later became a city worker with the asphalt gang. Their mother, Mary, from Calabria, Italy, was a homemaker taking care of the home and the children by making sure that they were clean, fed and comfortable.

Growing up in the neighborhood, Tony and his brother, Sam, played softball in the empty lots, Sheridan Park and other park fields. Both were considered excellent players. At that time, the players rotated positions so that one day, a person may be the pitcher and the next an outfielder. "He grew up having lots of friends because he was truthful to them," states his sole surviving sibling, Anne. "They trusted him for he told it like it was and he was true to his word. For this he was respected and liked."

Tony and his brother, Sam, shined shoes on the corner of Madison and Halsted as teenagers. They also sold fruits and vegetables at Taylor and Halsted. They brought home the monies they earned in order to help the family. Tony began working at the local bakery, Ferrara, cleaning the pots and pans the bakers and decorators used. Eventually, he worked his way to being the top cake baker and decorator. Several of his siblings joined him working at the bakery. It wasn't unusual to see Sam and Tony working together. Usually, Sam would work inside baking and decorating while Tony would deliver many of the beautiful wedding cakes. Ferrara was known for the arched wedding cakes under which the wedding parties would march during the receptions. They were spectacular sights! Tony would often have amusing stories to tell about the deliveries he made.

World War II took Tony overseas (picture on photo page). He was eventually sent to Korea where his outfit and others were to repair the extensive destruction left by the expelled Japanese, and to build a Korea that would be self-sufficient. Korea was dominated by Japan for many years prior to World War II. The Japanese used Korea for its own means toward the efforts of World War II. In February of 1945, there was discussion regarding the idea of having Korea governed by a multinational group at the end of the war. The Americans took the 38th Parallel and south, while the Russians took the northern section. The Americans were there to give the Koreans a start; get out; and let them work out their own future. In 1948, the Republic of Korea was established in the south. Both the Americans and the Russians trained the Koreans and left the country in 1948-1949. In June of 1950, the Korean War erupted with the invasion of South Korea by the Russian-trained North Koreans.

Sometime after he came home from serving his country, Tony married a local girl, Virginia (picture on photo page). After several years of apartment living, they moved their family to a small village, Bridgeview, Illinois. There were only three homes left in the "Southfield Section". Tony and Virginia purchased a corner house while his brother, Sam, and his wife, Rose, purchased a house a few blocks away. In their first and only home, Tony and Virginia raised their four children - Michael, Karen, Anthony and Suzanne (picture on photo page). Sam and Rose also raised their children - Janet, Mary Lynn, John and Nicki, in this, their first house. Bridgeview would turn out to be a wonderful place to live, raise their children and make friends.

"Daisy" (Harriet) and Jim Ohlinger, now residing in Bullhead City, Arizona, were their good friends who lived across the street. Their daughter, Vicky, was the best friend of Tony and Virginia's daughter, Suzanne. Other friendships developed with neighboring families. There were Dottie and Rich Peksa. Of course, who could forget the Becky and Steve LiVigni family, whose children (now adults) are still good friends with the children of Tony and Virginia! Unfortunately, Steve and his wife, Becky, have passed.

After a long bout with leukemia, Tony's wife, Virginia, passed on in 1976. According to many who knew her, she was a very nice person who loved to laugh and have fun. She was genuine. A quality that Tony admired in people and a quality that people admired in Tony.

Tony and Sam became part-time police officers in Bridgeview soon after moving to the village, and while they still worked at the bakery. Sam eventually started working at Naples Bakery. Tony had become a full-time police officer with the village and loved this job up to the day of his retirement in 1979 (picture on photo page). In fact, he was the first motorcycle police officer in Bridgeview. Tony was considered a tough but fair police officer. He really cared!

In 1981, the residents elected Tony to the position of village trustee. He was re-elected four years later. Many persons believe that he was the voice of the people that he represented. And he was! His heart was there for the residents. He looked out for their welfare.

In 1986, Tony was appointed the Superintendent of Roads and Municipal Buildings. Tony retired from the village in 1990 with over thirty years of service to this village that he loved so much.

It wouldn't have been a day in Bridgeview if you didn't see Tony. He drove throughout Bridgeview, checking out any problems that needed to be corrected. If the residents needed help, they could easily spot Tony in his black Lincoln or on his red Honda motor scooter. He would always have time for them.

It took this village over ten years and the electing of a new village president to finally and publicly recognize Tony's years of service to Bridgeview. Village President Steven M. Landek had a plaque made and presented it at the February 7, 2001, village board meeting to honor a man so deserving (picture on photo page). President Landek spoke highly of Tony's accomplishments. Several others also spoke of Tony and his persistent means to achieve success in whatever endeavors he tried. And that honor was one that Tony was so grateful to receive. Though Tony gave the appearance of the gruff person many thought him to be, he was actually one of the gentlest of gentlemen.

In 1983, Tony met his future bride, Catherine Altar, at Daniel's - the restaurant that was his "home away from home." In 1986, Tony and Kay (as he called her) were married at the courthouse in Chicago Ridge by Judge William F. Fitzpatrick with a roomful of bailiffs as witnesses. Theirs was a marriage that lasted fifteen years - cut short by his passing caused by failing health attributed to injuries he suffered in late 1996. Many persons spoke of Tony and Kay as a couple that complimented each other. Or as a team that worked together.

On Sundays and on days that she would be off from work, Kay would drive with Tony throughout the village - continuing what was one of Tony’s past practices. They would also drive throughout southwest Cook, DuPage and Will counties just to view the scenery, check out some point of interest and/or try a restaurant that they hadn't tried before or had liked previously. They vacationed several times a year, either in Florida, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, Illinois or California (picture on photo page). Recently, when asked which of all the events that happened in his life was the best, Tony's immediate response was, "marrying my Kay."

Not too outspoken on his private life, many did not know that Tony's cousin was Charles Atlas or that Tony had a tenor's voice almost equal to that of Mario Lanza. When he sang at home, it wasn't in the shower but while sitting with Kay. "My Tony loved good music and listening to it," stated his Kay.

Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, Tony would be with his fellow seniors in the Bridgeview GoldenAgers - a club that his mother-in-law, Freida A. Altar, and others founded with assistance provided by the Bridgeview Park District and its then director - Steven M. Landek. Tony served this club as President and as Treasurer.

The first Wednesday of every month, Tony would meet with a group of men who were the pioneers of Bridgeview - Ray Lederman, Joe Allen, Jim Simon, Jack Curry and Ken MacIntosh.

Tony and his other friends would meet at Daniel's every morning. The group consisted of Tony, his brother, Sam, Gus Pape, "Dark Frank", Tom Sangosti, Joe Serpico, Howie, Paul Bachman, Mickie, Bill Brauer, Ron "Spike" Mision, and later, Dennis and Bill Dean. When the group dwindled in size due mainly to the passing of many of the members of the group, several wives joined "the gang", including Kay Siciliano, Marie Brauer and Gloria Mision. Often Barb and Herb Stewart would stop by. Terry Brown would also stop whenever he was in town.

With the remodeling of Daniel's Family Restaurant in 2001, Tony and his Kay used to stop in to view the work being done. Sometimes Bill and Marie would also drop in. Other times, Paul would stop in. Tony never had the opportunity to see the completed Daniel's Grille & Bar in Bridgeview at the grand reopening. However, a day later, the funeral luncheon for Tony was held at Daniel's Grille & Bar - a final get-together of his family and friends.

Tony had witnessed the passing of his wife, Virginia, two brothers, four sisters, his parents, his grandson, Ricky, his father-in-law, Augie J. Altar, his mother-in-law, Freida A. Altar, and his youngest child, Suzanne. Like her mother, Suzanne passed on from cancer. Ironically, both mother and daughter were forty-five at the time of their deaths. Suzanne went through extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments to live for her then seven-year-old daughter, Katy. The combination of heartaches from the losses of those Tony loved and his failing health took away almost all of his strength. Yet, he never gave up. He had the desire to keep going on. Tony's four-plus years of struggle with his failing health ultimately ended on April 17, 2001.

"On that April night," stated his Kay, "my Tony looked at me and said, 'I love you, Kay'. I caressed him while I talked with him about our good life together and the great times we shared these past eighteen years. I told him that he could go and be in God's Arms where he would no longer be in pain. I told him how much his family loved him. I told him that Virginia, his parents, Ricky, Suzanne, his brothers and sisters, my parents and others were waiting for him. I asked him to save me a place near him and that I would soon be with him. And as he turned more toward me, I told him that I would miss him; that I loved him; and that there would never be another man in my life or in my heart. I encouraged him to let go and find that Eternal Peace. I kissed him farewell. With that, he closed his eyes and passed on. I lost my best friend. I lost my true love. No one can or will replace my Tony!"


FOR MY TONY
HOW COULD I FORGET YOU?!
You were my strength upon which our love did bind.
You were my love that brightened each and every day.
You were my hope that life would be ever kind.
You were my Tony and I your Kay.

WHY WOULD I FORGET YOU?!
Not many men would be like you
Helping another in time of strife.
Not many men, "Big T", would do as you,
Giving someone a chance at life.

I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU!
You were my happiness, my true love.
You were so special to me.
I thank God that you're HOME above
And that forever together we'll soon be.

Bridgeview's President Steven M. Landek arranged to further honor Tony. At Tony's wake, there was a Bridgeview Police Honor Guard. The fine men of the VFW, Post 8475, made a presentation on the evening of the wake and on the morning of the service. At the cemetery, the VFW's rifles were shot and taps played for this deceased U.S. World War II Veteran. The American Flag was presented to Tony's wife, Kay. It was a very dignified and honorable farewell! (Pictures are on the photo page.)

Tony was the beloved, irreplaceable and unforgettable husband and best friend of Catherine (Kay); dearest husband of the late Virginia; dear father of Michael (Donna), Karen (Frank), Anthony (Bobbie) and the late Suzanne; dear son of the late John and the late Mary Siciliano; greatest "papa" of Michael, Dominic, Spencer, the late Ricky, Anthony, Virginia, Nanci, Michelle, Jackie (Bryant), Gary, Corrie and Katy and great granddaughter, Michaela; precious brother of Anne and his departed sisters and brothers (Michael, Rose, Mary, Nancy, Connie, Sam and Grace); endeared son-in-law of the late Freida and the late Augie Altar; special brother-in-law of Rose Siciliano, Mary and the late Neil Francis, Josephine and Jack Luscombe, the late Katie and Louis Paporone, the late Tillie and the late Larry Klimas, Tony, John Altar and Robert Altar; fond uncle to many nieces and nephews; and a loyal friend to those privileged to be so considered.

"It is by the way my Tony lived and the manner in which he touched so many lives that he will be remembered and missed," emphasized his Kay.

A yearly $500.00 scholarship has been established in memory of and as a tribute to Tony P. Siciliano, a man of distinction and a genuine, considerate leader. His love for his village and for those residing within Bridgeview was obvious to all who knew and loved him. He was kind, thoughtful, generous, warm-hearted, gentle and most importantly an irreplaceable, unforgettable husband and loving father. He will always be remembered as the man who "reached the unreachable star" and who was "true to his quest".

Awarding of The TONY P. SICILIANO Scholarship will be on August 12, 2001, which would have been Tony's seventy-sixth birthday. It will be based upon the applicant being a current resident of Bridgeview; a person who is to embark on undergraduate studies, whether a high school senior or a high school graduate who did not receive further formal training, and wishes to return for further education. The undergraduate studies must be in an accredited junior-college, college or university, or in the trades; culinary school, beauty school, barber school, etc. The applicant must be in financial need and have had at least a 2.0 grade point average in a 4.0 grading system. Each year, a new recipient will be chosen. The TONY P. SICILIANO Scholarship is for $500.00 and for one year only.