Anthony Cuffaro

Anthony P Cuffaro (Tony) passed away at home in Port St Lucie, FL on December 17, 2023, three days after his 88th birthday. 

Tony and his twin brother Joe were born December 14, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY to Girolamo Cuffaro and Gertrude Strazza.  He is survived by Sheila Reagan, his wife of 37 years.

Beyond his primary love of family & friends; his life was golf.  

Following is his golf story shared with The Cascades Golf League when he had to give up the game:

I started playing golf in high school on the golf team. After high school my father got me a job at Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage. 

Most of my lunch breaks were at the Bethpage Golf Range. The back fence was 250 yards and I would hit my 3 wood over the fence and that’s how it really started. While at Grumman I was drafted into the Army along with my twin brother, Joe. 

We both ended up in Paris, France.  My job was teaching golf to Captains up to 3 Star Generals.  Joe was a marriage counselor.  When I returned home I met someone who backed me on the Long Island Mini Tour.  I did that for a while but found out you need a lot of money. I then met Gene McMasters, golf rep for Mizuno. He said teach.  You have a gift dealing with people. Have been teaching ever since.

Met a Hollywood set director who coordinated with stars when they were filming in New York.  Those who played golf wanted to film at night and play golf during the day.  Whenever they needed a fourth, he would call me.  During the coming years I played with Sean Connery, Joe Pesci,  James Garner, Phil Sims and James Woods to mention a few.  Funny Pesci story.  He called the house for directions to pick me up.  Sheila says as soon as she heard ‘Hellooooooo Sheila” she knew immediately who it was. Came to Florida in the year of 2003.  At Cascades in 2006.

 

Getting back to golf, played some of the greatest clubs. 850+ top 5 star golf course.  Best fun I had was playing golf with all the guys on Cascade Golf League. Thanks for the great memories. 

I truly will miss this wonderful game of golf.

 

PS. When it’s my time, I have a job at “Heaven’s Gate CC”.  Look me up!  I’ll set you up.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2023 from 12:30PM to 3PM at the Haisley Tribute Center 2041 SW Bayshore Blvd Port St. Lucie, FL 34984.