Anthony G. Barone

May his memory be eternal.
Tony you are missed

I read Mr. Barone’s obituary, and I feel obligated to say a few words because he was one of our neighborhood dads back in 1960-70s. Mr. Barone represented honest, hard work, and compassion as a father in our little hamlet -- Stratford Connecticut. He wasn’t just a pillar in our community; he and a few fathers were the foundation. They shaped young minds to be gentle yet strong future fathers, which many of us accomplished because of their examples.

As a young boy growing up in Stratford, CT, Mr. Barone coached us in baseball and football; he advised young athletes and neighborhood children -- to do the right thing no matter what the cost, and he gave endless hours coaching little league and advising us. He instilled a “work ethic” in everyone he touched. Unfortunately, our society does NOT make fathers like this anymore.

I can remember during little league baseball games (Stratford Yankees) his coaching talents and sportsmanship were professional, aggressive, and admired. It did NOT matter if you won or lost a game, or if you were on a different team, he always shook my hand, patted my back and said, “You played a great game Ron; your parents will be proud.” He always made me feel good as a young boy even if I played horribly.

His son Tony was a good friend of mine in middle school; we both went to Our Lady of Grace Catholic School; we became altar boys, and we played Pop Warner Football together. Tony Jr. (a big, strong kid) always stood up for me in school yard fights. We were the same age, but he felt like a big brother. Tony Jr. was exactly like his dad. He always did the right thing, and he always had a moral compass, pointing in his dad’s direction.

I can remember senior year high school, Tony Jr. played for Bunnell H.S. and I played for St Joseph’s H.S. We played against each other in a conference championship. We played our hearts out and I (St Joseph H.S.) lost by one point 7-6. After the game, I was exhausted and emotional. Tony Jr. and Vinny (another friend) walked up to our bus and hugged me. Tony took his father’s place by saying, “You played a great game Ron; we played our hearts out.” I can remember walking on the bus, and my football coach saying, “Those are true friends Serra; I never saw that before.”

I walked to the back of the bus, and I saw Mr. Barone sitting on his car in the parking lot. As the bus drove away, Mr. Barone saw my face. He waved and raised two thumbs up and smiled. That was 1976, and it was the last memory I have of Mr. Barone. That was 44 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Once again, he made me feel good.

Many times, in my life, I modeled my behavior after fathers in my old neighborhood. When I counseled employees, I thought about the patience and balance our neighborhood fathers possessed. When I had a son, I coached little league baseball, basketball and Pop Warner football. I did it because of examples like Mr. Barone and my old neighborhood friend Tony Jr.

Today, no one really understands the long-term influence neighborhood parents have on the whole community. It takes “a community” to raise a child, and Mr. Barone was the living proof. He touched and changed many young lives.

His influence helped my son attend the Air Force Academy, win Florida’s Athlete of the year and become one of the youngest pilots for American Airlines. His philosophy continues because we raised our children with the same philosophy Mr. Barone and other neighborhood fathers instilled in us at a young age. Godspeed Mr. Barone.

Tony you are missed by all who knew you.

Tony,
I am very sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a good man, I will always remember him as the coach of the Yankees.
George

Our sympathy on the passing of our neighbor at Baldwin Station. He was a friendly and talkative man when we first met. The years took their toll.

Dear Barone Family,

My deepest condolences on the loss of "Mr B". He was an absolute pleasure to take care of and was a great person. He was full of great advice and always made me laugh... I will miss him.

Amy O'Leary

I remember Mr Barone as a kind and good family man. He took his time to coach little league baseball for his sons and the kids in the neighborhood. He took his time to help me when I needed a job, coaching me through the union hall process while I was home from college. He took his time to always welcome me into his home when I was growing up. I will always appreciate his time. He can rest now, having successfully raised three sons, and living to see them all raise their families. His time on this earth was well spent.

He was a very pleasant man. I enjoyed our conversations.

Our deepest Sympathy. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Barone Family.

Anne, Tony and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of the Baron. He always wore a smile when I spoke with him. Love and prayers to all of you.

We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Barone. He will be greatly missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Annette and Rick Arthur

We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Barone. He will be greatly missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Annette and Rick Arthur

We are so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Barone. He will be greatly missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. With sincere sympathy, Annette and Rick Arthur

He was such a nice man.The family is in my thoughts and Prayeres.

Dear Barone family, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Tony was a great guy and a great friend, we will miss him as we know that all of you will miss him with every day that passes. Our deepest condolences.
Lucille and Pete

Im so very sorry for your loss. Tony meant the world to me. His knowledge, advise, compassion, humor, kindness and the many life experiences we shared I will always treasure. I loved him like family. Rest in peace you dear sweet man. XO

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the whole Barone family. Larry and Lauren Yakaitis

Cousin "Junior". Sorry you have to leave your wonderful boys and grandchildren but Audrey awaits you.