Anthony A. Consentino

Anthony A. Consentino, 90
August 18, 1931 - January 13, 2022
A few years before Tony's passing, his family asked him to write down the biographical details that he'd like included in his obituary someday. He dutifully listed the milestones and then, in the top margin of the page, scribbled, "Include whatever you want to."
That was Tony: Unassuming, never demanding, and steady with his love and support.
By combining his diligently written details with our fondest memories, we proudly present the obituary of the sweetest, gentlest man we've ever known.
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Anthony Albert Consentino was born in Lawrence, MA, in 1931 to a musical family of Sicilian immigrants who lived on the corner of Elm and Newbury streets. A gifted student who loved science and music, he became particularly skilled with the clarinet, saxophone, and piano. Tony led several bands (sometimes as "Tony Reed") to pay for college and beyond, earning a B.S. in Education from Lowell Teachers College ('53) and a Master of Music from Boston University ('60). He continued to perform professionally through the late 1970s and was an active member of Local 372, American Federation of Musicians (A. F. of M.).
While in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1958, Tony graduated from the Naval School of Music and attained the rank of Musician First Class. He performed in Alaska, D.C., and New York with the Navy Band, serving as solo clarinetist, lead alto saxophone, and director of the dance band. He was honorably discharged and received the National Defense Service Medal.
Tony read widely on all things science-related-a life-long interest. In the 1970s, he combined his skills in seafaring, education, and science through volunteer leadership in the U.S. Power Squadron. There, he served as Commander of the Merrimack River Squadron, teaching celestial navigation and overseeing free safe boating education for area families.
In 1964, Tony and his cousin Al became co-owners of Consentino Music Store and Studios in the same Lawrence building where Tony was raised, in the space where Tony's father – a cobbler – had previously owned and operated Consentino Shoe Repair. Consentino Music became a destination for budding and professional musicians until closing in 1999. It also became a second home to Tony's nieces and daughters.
Tony met Lucie (LeBlanc) when she bought her first guitar at Consentino Music and became a frequent customer. He invited her to a dinner dance in 1973 and the rest is history: they married in 1974 and lived at 14 Lantern Lane in Methuen until moving to Peabody in 2017. Tony chose "All the Things You Are" as their wedding song, then played it on the piano for Lucie every day. With Lucie, he helped instill in his daughters a love of reading, education, music, and inquiry, enjoying regular father-daughter outings to the public libraries and the Museum of Science. Tony helped create a home filled with books, music, and countless small acts of love, which continue to shape the lives of his beloved grandchildren.
Many loved ones will carry on Tony's memory, including his wife, Lucie; daughter Rebecca Hains, her husband, Tyler, and grandchildren Theo, Alexander, and Xavier; daughter Sarah Jackson, her husband, Corey, and grandchildren Milo Anthony and Madeleine; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Philip and Mary Consentino; his brothers, Lucius and Vincent; and their spouses.
Since Tony would never presume to tell anyone what to do, we invite you to honor his life by making a donation to a charity of your choosing.
When his daughters were little, Tony loved recording their tiny voices onto cassette tapes as they sang songs, told stories, or recited poems he taught them. One of the trio's most cherished poems from the cassette days makes a fitting tribute as we pray for Tony's eternal peace:
"I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men."
-Abou Ben Adhem by Leigh Hunt
Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday April 1, 2022 from 11AM-12PM at Solimine Funeral Home 426 Broadway with a Memorial Service at 12PM, followed by burial with Military honors at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.