Anthony W. "Tony" Newman

Anthony "Tony" Warren Newman, 88, of West Hartford, Connecticut, passed away on February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy defined by devotion, leadership, athletic excellence, and joy. Born on May 15, 1937, in Johnson City, TN, he was the beloved son of Ruth Rice and Olin Berry Newman.

In 1941, Tony moved to West Hartford with his mother and older brother, beginning a lifelong connection to the community he proudly called home. A graduate of William Hall High School, Class of 1955, Tony often joked that he may not have been its most dedicated student-but he was certainly one of its most committed athletes. A standout basketball player, he earned a place in the school's Hall HS Hall of Fame.

Tony served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1962, stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Honolulu, Hawaii, where he continued to distinguish himself both in service and on the basketball court. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Hartford, Class of 1962. There he was a two-year Varsity Basketball Captain and was later elected to the University's Athletic Hall of Fame, an honor reflecting his talent, leadership, and profound impact.

His professional career began at Travelers Insurance Company (1962–1965). He later became a partner in the Kenney, Webber and Lowell Agency in Canton, Connecticut. The firm was eventually sold to The American Phoenix Corp., and through various subsequent transitions, Tony concluded his distinguished career with Willis Group, retiring in 2015. Over more than five decades in the insurance industry, he held numerous executive positions, earned multiple sales awards, and built trusted relationships with a distinguished clientele that included movie stars, high-level politicians, and professional golfers.

Athletics were a lifelong passion. Tony excelled in basketball at every level: high school, the Army, college, and the Farmington Valley Basketball League, where he led the league in scoring for several years. He was an INA Regional tennis champion, Town of Burlington Tennis champion, winner of the University of Hartford "Over 50" 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in 1997, and a Senior Olympic Silver Medalist that same year. At age 79, he proudly coached the JV basketball team at Westminster School alongside his son, Peter, in 2016. In 2017 and 2018, then in his early 80s, he was a 2-time Master's (80+) Golf Champion at Rockledge Country Club, a testament to his enduring competitive spirit.

His commitment to youth sports left a lasting mark. In 1970, he founded the Burlington Youth Basketball League, mentoring generations of young athletes and teaching lessons that extended far beyond the court.

Tony was also deeply engaged in civic and charitable service. He served on advisory committees at Hospital for Special Care and was a Corporator there as well as at St. Francis Hospital. His many club memberships reflected his wide interests and enduring friendships, including The Old Guard, The Hartford Tennis Club, The Hartford Golf Club, Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, Hartford Jazz Society, Hartford Power Squadron, Avon Country Club, Hop Meadow Country Club, The Quechee Club (VT), The Woodlands Club of Falmouth, Maine, Shuttle Meadow Country Club, and the Rockledge Men's Club.

A true renaissance man, Tony loved jazz and the Great American Songbook, and at home he could be found lost in a Miles Davis solo or a Stan Getz samba at any moment. During the years between cheering at their sons' college lacrosse games and applauding their grandchildren's recitals, games, marathons, speeches, musters, and many milestones- they were always there- Tony and Gail enjoyed golf, European travel, Seabrook Island sunsets, UCONN basketball, and maybe a bourbon and cosmo at any point with friends and family. Tony and Gail were always happy to see you. A true gentleman, Tony lived and loved life fully, he gave generously, and inspired others through his infectious and self-effacing sense of humor, his gracious hospitality, and his unwavering desire to enrich the lives of those around him, for which he may be most lovingly remembered. Tony had a unique ability to make you feel better than when you arrived.

Above all of his professional and personal accomplishments, Tony cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gail T. Newman, his partner in life and adventure since 1954. Together they shared a love of boating and cruising the New England coast, happiest when docking (eggshells…) at their home port in Essex, Connecticut. He is also survived by and was a proud and devoted father to son Peter W. Newman and his spouse Robin Collinson Newman of Savannah, Georgia; son Anthony C. Newman and his spouse Christina Stathis Newman of North Granby, Connecticut; and son David R. Newman and his spouse Janine Carole Newman of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Tony is further survived by his true pride and joy, his grandchildren, all of whom received words of wisdom and encouragement with every conversation. He was "Poppy" to Abigail and Charles of Savannah; Anthony (AJ) and Helen of North Granby; and Emilie, Elise, and William of Ridgefield. Nothing brought Tony more pride than watching his children and grandchildren grow into loving, caring adults.

Tony's wonderful life and influence were about movement, across courts, fairways, waterways, and most importantly generations. His legacy endures in the family he adored, the community he strengthened, and the countless lives he uplifted along the way.

Tony will be honored and remembered at a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, February 24, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, West Hartford.

For anyone who may be so inclined, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Adaptive Sports Program Fund, c/o the Hospital for Special Care Foundation, 2150 Corbin Ave. New Britain, CT 06053. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com