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Charles & Anne Cioffi
January 10, 2017
Tony,
Our Friend.
Shirley and Karen will make a lovely trio with you as you make heavenly music.
Anne & Chuck
Christopher D Cox
January 3, 2017
Over the past almost two years, Tony became a very dear friend. He created a lasting legacy for Shirley R. Ford and for himself at the University of Tennessee School of Music. Their legacy will provide scholarships to aspiring music students, plus much more. We prepared a story about Tony and Shirley in our annual "Noteworthy" magazine. Contact me if you would like a copy.
Miriam Friend
December 18, 2016
Many, Many years ago, I gave Tony a ride home after an evening with him performing at Michael's pub with Jonathan Schwartz. I had driven in from Staten Island, and so was the only patron with a car, and Tony was tired and, well, had been drinking a bit while playing a FINE piano and carrying on with Jonathan. It was cold and raining and I didn't want him to wait for a cab. He was kind and thankful and grateful.... he will be missed by all.
JoAnn Kubat
December 11, 2016
I met Tony this past year and got to know someone who truly loved living. It's true that he could tell stories that couldn't possibly be true, but they were so much fun to listen to and I slowly learned that they weren't even 'the half of it'. He loved life, living, food, his music, family, and especially Shirley. I will miss him.
Andrea Barnes
December 5, 2016
A great Artist, Arranger, Pianist and perfect Soul. Thank you for your truth alway's Monte. You were well loved and revered. We cannot even discuss your intellect which was so Sharp. I remember everything you said and will do as you say. Artist to Artist. Soul to Soul. I love you Brother. Dre Barnes New York.
Janet Lawson
December 3, 2016
I have known Tony, a truly unique and remarkable human being, for more than 50 years....meeting him through our mutual friend, the late Karen Springer. Tony's heart, talents, generosity of spirit, and love of sharing his gifts with his friends and all who came into his sphere was very special....I loved singing with him, laughing with him, loving life with him....I will miss all of that..mostly missing seeing that smile......Be at peace, dear, dear friend....love, Janet Lawson
Starla Jean Smith
November 30, 2016
I am so sad about the recent passing of my friend Tony Monte. He was so special. A talented musician and arranger, a brilliant and witty mind and generous and kind friend. We were introduced by a mutual musician friend, the late Charles DeForest, who thought Tony would be the perfect pianist and arranger to play for my NYC cabaret act. He was right. I was humbled because Tony had played for so many of the greats, including Johnny Hartman and Judy Garland. And when he came to the Northwest to play a concert, he insisted that I do my act. And I did for about 75 people at a friend's Seattle apartment. My girls and granddaughters had never heard me sing. It was one of the loveliest evenings of my life. I will miss Tony and our phone chats. And I loved the fact that he always called me Starla Jean. I will look for the brightest star in the heavens and send my love, for that surely will be Tony.
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Steve LaSpina
November 29, 2016
I met Tony when I was living in Chicago a few months before I moved to NYC 37 years. We played a ton of gigs together over the years. His friendship alway meant a lot to me. We share many a good time off and on the bandstand. I will miss him. RIP my friend
Jill McManus
November 28, 2016
A funny and warmhearted guy whose music was strong and engaging. He was a neighbor and I was always glad to see him. His wry humor made it fun to chat about the predicament of aging in the music business. Will miss him.
Mark Hummel
November 26, 2016
One of the good guys...will be greatly missed!
~Mark Hummel
RK w TM At Bucky Pizzarelli's 80th Birthday Concert
Russ Kassoff
November 22, 2016
Tony and I were a mutual admiration society. He was a guru, a role model and took me under his wing. We shared many gigs over a period of 35 years most notably the Bucky Pizzarelli Trio at the Pierre - where we first met and subbed for each other, the original American songbook series at Lincoln Center, and finally the solo piano slots at Del Posto. Over the years - lots of laughs, tons of phone calls and several visits with the beautiful Shirlee. Tony was extremely bright, knowledgable and had a supportive way that attracted so many people - especially singers - to his masterful and delicate touch on the piano. He was a big teddy bear with a santa-like laugh and I am most grateful that we shared so much over all these years. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His music, mostly in the form of recordings as accompanist to some really fine singers - will always live on
Marla and George Heath and Family
November 22, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
November 21, 2016
My late husband Stan Shapiro & I met Tony at Dune Deck in the 60's and kind of kept in touch thru the years- Stan recommend that he play at the Boathouse & we saw him there many times-I last saw Tony at an anniversary party of friends where he played 3 years ago- I even sang & he was still a great accompaniest- he also played at our 60"" anniversary- great memories of a very talented man- he will be missed by all who knew him- - I will always remember him with a smile RIP Fran Shapiro
Michael Mascia
November 21, 2016
I have a vivid memory being very young and seeing him in East Hampton. He pulled up in his Ferrari-the wonderful sound that car made! He told me and my brother to call him "Cuz Tony" and we both thought he was the coolest person on earth . I can't think of him without smiling ear to ear! He was the best storyteller ever. When he would get together with my father, they would just laugh and tell story after story that couldn't possibly be true, but they were! My dear Godfather- I will miss you!
Cuz- I hope you are up there with my Dad and Shirley right now having Martinis and telling tales!
david sheppard
November 21, 2016
Getting to know, and working with, Tony Monte, was a true pleasure and privilege. Watching him do what he loved to do was a lesson in how to live a life.
Scott Alexander Blakley
November 20, 2016
Despite our many decades apart in age, Tony was a true friend that i found myself able to talk about any subject with, and what a great man to make music with! Tony, you will always be with me and I will continue to brag about how lucky I was to be your friend!
Andrea Javaly
November 20, 2016
Tony lived right above me, he was a lovely guy and a nice neighbor. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing.
Shelley Ackerman
November 20, 2016
Am heartbroken to learn of Tony's passing and regret not seeing him in recent years. Hie tasty musical accompaniment along with the many brilliant and inspiring things he said AND laughs we had over 40 years ago have remained with me a lifetime. RIP Tony and Thank you.
November 18, 2016
Thanks for sharing your wonderful gifts of music and life.
Judith and George Diehl
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