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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
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Anthony Recchia Obituary
March 18, 1938 - January 14, 2021
Sacramento, California - On January 14, 2021 Anthony Gerald Recchia (Tony Baloney) loving husband and father of two daughters passed away at the age of 82 in Orangevale, CA.
Tony was born March 18, 1938 in North Adams, Massachusetts. He paid his way through college working 40 hours a week earning an aeronautical engineering degree from Indiana Tech. Tony moved to California to start a job at Aerojet. On June 22, 1968 he married the love of his life Dorothy Schatz and they raised two daughters.
Tony opened Sacramento's 1st submarine sandwich shop "Tony Baloney's" in 1963 on Del Paso Blvd., North Sacramento. Tony opened his 2nd shop across from McClellan AFB where he became a hit with everyone on the base. Over the 58 years in business (and still running today) Tony had 6 different locations.
Tony loved Thoroughbred horse racing and spent countless hours at the racetracks; both racing his own horses and watching others. Tony also loved poker and once won a seat to play at the world series of poker in Las Vegas. But Tony's favorite thing was the day-to-day interaction with customers at the restaurant.
Tony was preceded in death by his father Arco and his mother Geraldine. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his two daughters: Stephanie & Christina and his four grandchildren: Anna, Madison, Jack & Kylie.
The family will hold a viewing at North Sacramento Funeral Home on January 21 from 2-6pm. A rosary will be recited at 6pm and the graveside service will be January 22 at Calvary Cemetery at 1:15pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Recchia
Barry Mahoney
May 30, 2021
I grew up with Tony in North Adams Ma. when my mother married Tony's dad Arco. I remember his energy and passion for building model air planes. He was always exciting to be around. After he graduated from college he lived with us in Malden Ma. I remember his love for his Alfa Romero that the let me use occasionally. After he moved to California we kept in touch and he even offered me a job in his sub shop and could stay with him. I decided to go to college instead. Years later My family visited him, Dorothy, and the kids Christina and Stephanie on at least a few occasions. As always he was the perfect host. He will be missed.
Galen James
April 23, 2021
I’m so sad to hear the news! My dad who’s been eating Tony Balony’s for over 50 years found out yesterday that tony has passed! He swung by to pick up his favorite sandwich the one and only pepper steak and was shocked to find out the news! God bless Tony and his family! We all wear our tee shirts from the restaurant! When I’m in Vegas, people know and quickly share their favorite TB story! God bless you all! Stay strong! Please keep Tony’s legacy open! He’s looking over you and so proud of his 2 daughters that he’s trained to carry the torch! Be well! The James’ (Warner, Helen, Keith & Galen)! McClellan AFB brats!
Alan Sherman
February 18, 2021
Well now you can play cards in heaven. You will be missed. liked our time together. May heaven look after you. Glad I spent some time with your great family.
Diana Braden
February 12, 2021
My first time at Tony's was in 1979 (41 yrs ago). My date loved the Peppersteak. I went back whenever I could afford it. I started nursing school in 1991 and on Monday's the special was Lasagna the best lasagna. I used to take my son for the child's hotdog (they were excellent) I had Lasagna and studied. Tony loved people and he had many fond memories and stories to share. He would keep me updated and sit down to chat medical. We discovered he may have worked with my Dad at Aerojet. He was kind, a excellent talker and good listener and deeply devoted to his family. I have many fond memories coming to Tony Baloney's. I am grateful to Tony, his beautiful wife, Dorothy, and Steph for that. I am sorry for your loss. Tony will be missed by many people.
Rev Danny C Arroyo
February 9, 2021
Thank you Mr Tony for the many years of great food, service and friendship you gave us in North Sacto! R.I.P. sir .....
Kathy Vandiver
February 9, 2021
I just loved going to tony Baloney the Italian sub was my favorite, Condolences to his wife and the rest of his family, RIP TONY BALONY
Vee Arroyo
February 8, 2021
He was the nicest person and always loved going to Tony Baloney's during my lunch break.
Barbara Young
February 3, 2021
We are so sad to hear about Tony’s passing. My husband came in the restaurant and spoke to Tony and bought his last bottle of his dressing. He told him he wasn’t feeling good and probably won’t make anymore. Tony was a great guy and will be missed. We pray God be with you. Ray and Barbara Young
Donna and Jay Knieriem
January 26, 2021
It really deeply saddens me to hear about Tony's passing. I grew up on Tony boloneys subs sandwiches. My family used to go to the one on Del Paso Blvd. I love his Italian cold cut sandwich. No one can even come close to being able to make his subs taste as great as his. Rest in peace Tony, you wills be missed
Steven Thompson
January 26, 2021
Anthony Recchia (Tony) was my first employer back in 1975. Along with Tony, I worked with two ladies named Debbie and Mary. I have many great memories and have always made a point to stop by and enjoy the best meatball sandwich ever. I'm happy to read that Dorothy, Stephanie & Christina are continuing Tony's legacy. Rest in Peace old friend, Sacramento will miss you.
Natasha Maidment
January 25, 2021
Very kind man always put smile on my face anytime stop by for pasta.
His jokes always brightened day while having a conversation with him .You will always be in our hearts of memories we shared.
Tracie Veerkamp
January 24, 2021
I have been a customer at Tony Baloney’s for years. We live in Auburn, anytime we are near the restaurant we stop for a sandwich! Best meatball sandwich!! I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May you have fabulous memories to heal your hearts!
Lisa Roberts
January 23, 2021
What a wonderful man. I grew up living down the street from the first restaurant, and remember his voice, larger than life. You left a legacy, Tony, and we will have the most find memories of you!!
barbara collopy
January 22, 2021
As a teacher to Stephanie's children, I know he must have been a very proud grandfather. My condolences to his family.
Hugs...Barb
Sherrie carhart
January 21, 2021
My parents introduced my brother and I to Tony Baloneys in the 1970’s and I’ve loved his amazing pastrami sandwich all my life. I did get to complement Tony a few years back and he was gracious. Wonderful place for lunch.
Becky eisner
January 21, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Tony's passing..my friends and I started going to his restaurant on Delhi Paso Blvd way back in the early 70's...i would always look forward to the delicious pepper steak sandwich!! In recent months we would always see him at his place off Madison ave., greeting customers and talking like we were old friends..he was a very special person and I will miss him terribly
Ralph Armstrong
January 20, 2021
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father, thoughts and prayers to his loving family. Your father will forever be an icon in the Sacramento restaurant industry, he will always be with us and remembered for his talkative, friendly nature!!
Terri Reilly Richardson
January 20, 2021
Oh, no! I am so sorry to hear that Tony has passed away. I was just there for lunch three weeks ago and he even got up to get me a glass of wine. I've been a patron of Tony Baloney's since the '70's. Best pepper steak sandwich ever ~ I drive 25 miles just to get one. And a sincerely nice man. My condolences to Tony's family. He will be greatly missed.
Doug, Lori, Brennan and David Smith
January 19, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Lee Perez
January 19, 2021
I started going to “Tony Baloneys” at his first shop on Del Paso Blvd in 1963,I have eaten at all of the locations he had.Tony was always friendly and enjoyable to talk to.His sandwiches were the best.My favorites were the Italian Sub and the Pepper Steak sub.Tony we are all gonna miss you.My condolences to the family,May he Rest In Peace.
Lee Perez
Jack and Barb Hatch
January 18, 2021
What a legend you are Tony. It’s hard to believe you have left us. Oh how you will be missed.Our whole family has ate at your restaurant many times. Jack and I in the back room with you watching horses run on the computer. Your beautiful wife Dorothy, always smiling, and always had a kind word. Your beautiful daughters always helping you. There’s one thing though, you can find your buddies, just to name one, Lee McClure, and you can bet the ponies and have your string of race horses.
Love, Jack and Barb Hatch
Susan Barber
January 18, 2021
I grew up hearing about my dad's cousin Tony Balogna, and although we've never met, I hope you find some peace knowing that your dad will forever be special to us.
L L
January 18, 2021
May God’s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4
James J Gould Jimmy Jay
January 18, 2021
Mrs. Recchia, Jimmy Gould. Ying Louie and I went there every night for supper in the late 60's from the Royal Oaks Post Office. Ying Louie liked the horses too. Some great memories. Be well.
January 17, 2021
My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories
and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .
Brandy Hodnett
January 17, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I have so many good memories of your dad and the restaurant.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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North Sacramento Funeral Home725 El Camino Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95815
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