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Anthony J. Sabatino

1950 - 2017

Anthony J. Sabatino obituary, 1950-2017, Los Angeles, CA

Anthony Sabatino Obituary

November 15, 1950 - May 22, 2017 Anthony "Tony" Joseph Sabatino, 66, died Monday, May 22, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. He was born on November 15, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ruth (Stocks) and Anthony Sabatino. Spending his childhood in Chicago, Tony then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education and Master's degree in Educational Administration both at Northern Illinois University. After beginning his career as an educator in several Catholic elementary and public schools in Illinois, Tony moved his family to Southern California in 1987. There, he flourished in Catholic school administration, including 11 years as Associate Principal at St. Augustine High School in San Diego and eight years as Headmaster of Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai. He earned his Doctorate in Education in 2010 from Cal Lutheran University. That same year, he joined the faculty at Loyola Marymount University as a Clinical Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Director of Catholic School Leadership Programs. His commitment to Catholic educational organizations was unequivocal; he served on many Catholic school boards and his leadership, consultation, and outreach expertise benefited local and national Catholic organizations. Tony loved his family above all else, and he is survived by his wife Connie (Steward), whom he married in Rockford, Illinois, on November 20, 1976; a daughter, Lisa Lange (and son-in-law Eric), two sons, Peter (and daughter-in-law Sara), and Nick (and daughter-in-law Michelle), and three beautiful grandchildren, Maisie, Benjamin, and Luisa. He is also survived by his sister Janis Collins and her family, of Westport, Connecticut. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and whose lives he touched. Memorial services will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Loyola Marymount University Campus on Tuesday, May 30, at 11:00am. There will be visiting hours before the service, at the same location, from 9:45-10:30am. Burial will be private. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Anthony J. Sabatino Scholarship in Catholic School Leadership at Loyola Marymount University. Donations can be sent care of Alma Vorst, 1 LMU Drive, Suite 2800, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

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Published by Los Angeles Times from May 26 to May 28, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Sabatino

Not sure what to say?





Glenn Goldstein

June 8, 2022

Tony was a childhood friend and we were inseparable until my family moved to the northern suburbs of Chicago when I was thirteen. A lot of treasured memories. May his memory be a blessing to his family.

Kevin Myers

January 4, 2021

Mr Sabatino was my wrestling coach during my freshman year at Harlem High School in 78/79. I looked up to him tremendously. He also was the referee during some of my matches the following year.
Mr Sabatino was one of the best human beings I had ever met in my youth and entire life. He was always willing to teach and mentor. What a special human being.
I am truly saddened to know of his passing even three years later. It appears that he went on to touch others in his own special way after he left the area. I was saddened when he moved many years ago, but I have never forgotten him.
My condolences to all that he has touched. I will never forget the impact you had on me as a young man. God speed to you coach.

Brad Stone

October 9, 2020

Tony Sabatino has art wrestling call coaches Hoffman Middle School in 1975 we miss them and love them

Paul Williams

August 7, 2019

I am very saddened by the news, that I had just learned Mr. Sabatino is no longer with us. in 1974 / 75 school year he was
my teacher at Hoffman Middle School. The following school year
he was my football coach, wrestling coach and teacher for my last year of middle school, 8th grade.

Mr. Sabatino was a very inspirational as a coach and teacher to bring out the very best within yourself. Myself and other players
still quote him to this day on things he would say to us in preparation for a game.

The Sabatino family has my deepest sympathy!

Paul J. Williams

June 5, 2017

Dear Sabatino Family,

We had the honor and pleasure of knowing Tony back in the days when he was principal of St. Columba and then at St. Augustine where all four of our sons eventually attended. My husband and I remember meeting with Tony before we enrolled our first son at St. Columba. He made us feel so very welcome. We remember how he would go over to the preschool and console Nick, who, at the time, did not want to be separated from his father! (Tony's office was just down the hallway! He showed such love and patience always.) And then at Saint Augustine, we were so happy to meet him again.

We hope the loving memories of Tony will sustain you in your sadness and grief. It is clear he touched so many in long-lasting and profound ways. Rest in Peace, Tony.

You all are in our prayers and thoughts.

Angel and Jerry Joaquin (And sons: Ben, Matt, Mike, and James).
San Diego, CA

Tisa Aceves

June 4, 2017

Tony was such a bright spirit. Always made you feel that what you were doing was amazing. I had the small opportunity to see him at graduation this year. He sat in the row behind me. I reached out my hand to squeeze his hand and share a very warm hello. I consider it a timely gift to connect with him one last time. Thank you Tony!

Stephanie Janes

May 31, 2017

Tony was a board member at the school where I work. Although, we only interacted every other month or so I will remember him fondly. He was a man of incredible charisma and knowledge. It was always a pleasure talking with him. He truly was completely engaged in every conversation, big or small. He had a true zest for life and spoke very lovingly about his family. Tony could really light up a room! I will miss his bright smile and presence. Sending my sincere condolences to the entire Sabatino family. God Bless!

Stefanie Lutero

May 30, 2017

Dear Mrs. Sabatino and Family:

Dr.Sabatino was my greatest mentor. From my first day in the Catholic School Administration program at LMU, he pushed me and believed in me like no one else. He set the bar in school and in life so incredibly high. Sometimes I doubted myself, but he never did. His faith in all of us never faltered. Letting him down was never an option.

Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us. He will continue to be a measure of greatness in my life and I will continue to live my life in a way I hope would make him proud.

I send all my love and prayers to your family during this heartbreaking time. May you find some peace in knowing memory will carry on in the lives of each of his students, who all loved him so dearly.

Elizabeth Raudat

May 30, 2017

Dear Sabatino family,

Having had the privilege to spend a year on Thursday nights with your husband, and father Tony Sabatino, know that he guided us through an amazing journey where we all renewed our faith and learned to trust more in Jesus and his plan for us.

His patience, his diligence to our learning, his love for Jesus and social justice has been imbedded in each of our souls. We will continue his legacy, we will drill down, and through God's Grace and our own humility will look upwards to him to continue our journey of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Love from the entire Online Cohort 2014/15

Bri, Antonio & Dr. Sabatino June 2015

Elizabeth Raudat

May 30, 2017

LMU online cohort in New Mexico

Elizabeth Raudat

May 30, 2017

LMU 1st Online Cohort final class

Elizabeth Raudat

May 30, 2017

Jonny DeVera

May 30, 2017

You told me we would meet again when I graduated Saint Augustine's in 1999...I am still holding you to that promise sir. We will meet again, and I am still looking forward to it.

May 30, 2017

Dear Connie,

To say that Tony's LMU colleagues will greatly miss him is such an understatement. The incredible outpouring of love and admiration for Tony at the service today reflected our sentiments. At a department meeting last week, Tony went around the room and said something so meaningful and kind about each person -- I'll cherish those words always.
My very deepest sympathy is with you and the family.
Love,
Martha McCarthy

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

Dearest Sabatino Family,

May God's peace rest in your hearts at this difficult time.

I want to let you know that Dr. Sabatino unequivocally changed my life from the first moment I met him for the Catholic School Leadership Certificate. He had so much joy and enthusiasm for me and my future plans.

He encouraged me to keep pushing for change and social justice in Catholic schools. He chided me for not having confidence in myself and having a nervous laughter. We talked for 2 hours once about my thesis and things I could do in Catholic education.

He happily wrote my recommendation for the LMU Doctoral Program. I was accepted and will start in in June 2017. He was the first person I called/talked to when I got an offer to be the Assistant Principal at a high school. He gave me such peace and words of wisdom.

He was like the father I never had and the teacher I want to be. He will live on through his family and all of his students.

Thank you for sharing him with us.

Love,
Fatima Nicdao

Mass of Christian Burial - Front Page

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

Mass

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

Saying Goodbye

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

Mass of Christian Burial - Back page

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

August 2014 - Catholic School Leadership Cohort

Fatima Nicdao

May 30, 2017

May 30, 2017

Dear Mrs Sabatino and family,
So sad to hear of Tony's unexpected passing. I only knew him via Notre Dame Academy Elementary in Los Angeles where we were both board members. I knew him to be a kind, intelligent and wonderful human being. I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you all in the coming weeks and months.

Kindly
Margaret Shanley Lavin

Linda Wagner

May 30, 2017

Our hearts and prayers are with the family. We will always remember Tony fondly.
Linda & John Wagner
A St. Augustine High Family

Lavinia Reyes

May 30, 2017

Dear Connie, so sorry to hear about Tony's passing. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you, Lisa, Peter, Nick and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace. Lavinia, Ronel &Jessica, and Rolan

Sarah Gaither

May 29, 2017

Connie, We're so sorry to hear about Tony's death. Tony was such a neat guy. We enjoyed spending time with you both in Ventura. We will keep your family in our prayers. Tom and Sarah Gaither

Dennis and Meredy Rice

May 29, 2017

Tony was an educator who put kids first. He was an inspiration to us as a dedicated leader and a treasure to us as a friend.Our love and wishes for peace go out to Connie, Nick and the entire Sabatino family.

Kayte Russell

May 28, 2017

Dear Connie, Lisa, Peter, and Nick,
I was stunned to hear of Tony's passing. My principal delivered the message while I was in class, so I really didn't have time to fully absorb it. At break, I called Marion Montgomery and Kathleen Fink.
I have great memories of working with Tony at St. Columba and with you, Lisa, and Peter in 5th Grade. I feel Tony was instrumental in my being hired to teach summer school at Saints for 10 years. I especially remember his great smile and the laugh we put on his face when Kathleen's 2nd graders came on stage with "weasel" ears and noses and sang "Pop Goes the Weasel, special edition". It was great to see him at the CSJ conferences and to see pictures of you and the grandchildren.
You are in my prayers always,
Kayte Russell

Wilson

May 28, 2017

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

Peg Tulley

May 27, 2017

Connie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this most difficult time. Tony will surely be missed greatly by all of you.

Mike & Heidi Iafe

May 27, 2017

Thinking of the family and sending love in remembrance of a wonderful father, husband, professor, and human being.

Irene Nowland

May 27, 2017

Dear Connie, Lisa, Peter and Nick,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
All our love, Irene, Mike, Ashleigh, Emily, Sean and Luke

Karen Lombardi

May 27, 2017

Connie and Family,

Connie and I taught together in San Diego but we didn't get to know Tony well until our paths crossed again in Ventura. Tony was a man passionate about his faith and believed in sharing his passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge with others to make each person he met a better person.

Our prayers are with each and every one of you. May you find the strength, courage, and guidance you need now and in the future.

Karen, Dave, David, Kathryn Lombardi

Cheering for you Tony. RIP

Cheryl Jess-Vitale

May 27, 2017

I remember your great smile Tony! We were in several classes together at Bogan High School and I remember cheering for you at the football games.

Tony Sabatino #10 Bogan Bengals

Cheryl Jess-Vitale

May 27, 2017

May 27, 2017

I was friends with Tony through grammar school and high school. We were both on the Bogan High School (Chicago South Side) football Tony was the quarterback and I was a second string running back. We lost every game our senior year. That was ok. Losing builds character which I have passed on to my grand-kids.
Tony was awarded a special trophy that last year for sportsmanship.
I think of our high schools days often.
Condolences to Connie and the rest of Tony's family. RIP

Rich Jilek

Elaine Coates

May 27, 2017

Tony, you and your family are in my prayers. You and that wonderful smile will be missed.

Kayanna Campana

May 26, 2017

Mr. Sabatino was such a kind and caring man who showed true interest in each of his students. My husband, our families, and I only have fond memories of Mr. Sabatino and his days at Villanova. We are very sad to hear of his passing and are praying for his family during this time.
Sincerely,
Kayanna Campana (Ramirez) and Robert Campana

May 26, 2017

Dear Connie, We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Tony. Although we have not been in touch in some years, we hold very fond memories of you and Tony during our years together at St. Augustine. I remember that you and Tony came to the Cal Lutheran vs. Occidental football game to support those former "Saints". Our condolences to you, Pete, Lisa, and Nick and to all of your family. We will keep you close in our prayers

The Tanous Family
San Diego, CA

Haejung Chung

May 26, 2017

When you joined LMU, I had an honor to support your teaching briefly. I vividly remember your bright genuine smile, youthfulness, and enthusiasm for teaching and growing school administrators. Even for a brief interaction, you showed so much respect for me and all levels of staff. I thank you for touching my heart. May God bless you and your family.

Ed B

May 26, 2017

Tony was truly an instrument of God's peace. His optimism was unrelenting, and he radiated a warmth of spirit that made anybody he encountered feel special. his abiding attention to and care for the humanity of others lent him a pastoral presence of the highest magnitude. and though he wasn't a priest, he was as much or more a conduit of God's grace to others.

Dr. Tony was a sweet, kind, gentle man: humble, ever grateful for each new day, and with the unmitigated temerity to see that inner light that resides in all people, and to recognize that it is good.

Requiesce in pace, Tony. You were a beacon in life, and the darkness will not overcome your light in death.

Michael Gomez

May 26, 2017

I oftentimes found myself in his office either complaining or talking about my latest travel adventure and he always took the time to listen even when more pressing matters were going on (a teachers water poisoning with glass cleaner comes to mind). Nonetheless he challenged me in some rough times during high school and I am grateful. When I think of my time at Saints he would definitely be part of that memory.

Sister Angie Shaughnessy

May 26, 2017

Tony was an excellent teacher and, after his family, his students are his legacy. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and to the LMU community. We shall not see his like again. Sister Angie Shaughnessy, SCN

Sharon McClain

May 26, 2017

Dear Connie,
I have been on the Board of the Golden Valley Charter School with Tony for many years and have appreciated his diligence, kindness, and sense of humor while working together. He made an impact on my life because of his personal and professional qualities. I will miss him very much. Often, words are inadequate to express how we feel, but a quote I have always loved and remember often now that I am older is, "As we move toward the end of our lives, it is not toward a sunset, but toward a sunrise." My picture of Tony of him basking in that shining love of God. Love to you, Sharon McClain

Valerie Matys Mazzanti

May 26, 2017

My Heartfelt sympathies to Tonys Family.....Haven't seen him in years. Graduated from Bogan H.S. with him in 1968.....Read his Obituary. He left a wonderful legacy to the Catholic Faith! RIP Tony

Elizabeth Reilly

May 26, 2017

"It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but retire a little from sight and afterwards return again."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

My friend and colleague, who lived and loved fully each day, your students, colleagues, and I miss you more than we can adequately express. Your legacy is the love leadership you demonstrated to each of us and it shall endure.

Love Through Leadership, Dr. Tony Sabatino, LMU Commencement, May 7, 2017

Elizabeth Reilly

May 26, 2017

Dr. Tony Sabatino & Students, LMU Commencement, May 7, 2017

Elizabeth Reilly

May 26, 2017

Martin Scanlan

May 26, 2017

Tony was a tireless advocate for Catholic Schools locally and nationally. I always looked forward to seeing him at national meetings to hear about his innovative practices at LMU. His mark on the field of Catholic Education will endure! - Martin Scanlan

May 26, 2017

Dear Connie,
Our prayers and hearts go to you and the family. Tony was a premier colleague, a dear friend, and a great man.
May he rest and may consolation finds its way to you all.
Love,
Tom and Joan Kiely

Brian Leung

May 26, 2017

Tony...your voice will be sorely missed, especially in our faculty meetings! I always find your comments cogent and insightful.
Have a great time with the Lord and save a seat for me.

Paula Rasanen

May 26, 2017

All our love to all of you Connie and your wonderful family. Tony's been a bright spot in the potluck family too. Wish we could all be there with you. Love you so

May 26, 2017

I went to school with Tony new him well. He will be missed. RIP Tony my prayers go out to the family

Jim McClune

May 26, 2017

Tony was a great colleague and an extremely nice man! He was an excellent witness to Catholic education (and to Chicago).

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Memorial Events
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May

30

Visitation

9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Sacred Heart Chapel

Loyola Marymount University Campus, CA

May

30

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Sacred Heart Chapel

Loyola Marymount University Campus, CA

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