Anthony J. ANTONUCCI

ANTONUCCI, Anthony J. Anthony Joseph Antonucci (Tony, The Nooch, Papa) went home to his Savior on February 18, 2021 surrounded by his family and friends. Tony was 83 years old when he passed away at his residence in Lynden, WA with his faithful pup, Jasper, by his side. Tony was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 13, 1937 and was the youngest of 9 children to Italian immigrant parents. Tony was preceded in death by his father Michael, mother Anna, brothers Sammy and Michael, and sisters Millie, Phillie, Dora, Josie, Rosie and Madeline; and also, his dear cousins Frances and Vera who helped raise him when he was very young. He is survived by his wife Carmen, daughters Stephanie and Sandra(Rob) along with six grandchildren: Cade, Gillian, Ellie, Aaron, Heidi and Zach. Although Tony left Brooklyn to attend the University of Montana on a football scholarship, Brooklyn never left him. Tony stayed in contact with his many relatives back east and was always proud of his family and the many life lessons he learned from growing up in Brooklyn. Tony always attributed his love for cooking to his sister Millie, and his desire to get an education and make a better future for himself to his football coach, Bill Sachs. It was Bill's encouragement that led Tony to pursue the football team, earn a scholarship to the University of Montana, and graduate with a degree in education and a passion for helping other young students in the same way that he was helped along the way. Tony became a teacher, drama coach, and also helped coach various sports throughout his career. After attending graduate school at Whitworth College, he became a school counselor and football coach. He won the Washington State Teacher of the Year award in 1970 and the Spokane Big Brother of the Year Award in 1971. His love for the theater continued throughout his adult life, as he participated in a few Civic Theater performances, brought his daughters to as many shows as they could attend, and eventually had the joy of watching his grandchildren perform on the stage in theater and in dance. And of course, we cannot forget the five spectacular years he spent on stage doing Ham on Regal with many good friends, culminating in his role as Fred Asparagus. After living 50+ years in Spokane, Tony and Carmen moved to Lynden to be closer to their grandchildren. The last six years were filled with daily visits from grandkids, going to school events, attending band concerts, dance performances, theater productions, spontaneous park outings, and participating in all the big and little moments of life with his family. Because of Tony's love for people, he and Carmen befriended everyone in their condo unit and surrounding condos, and even in his last year living in a new community, Tony was surrounded by the love and care of neighbors and friends. Even after leaving Spokane to start a new chapter of life, Tony maintained a connection with many friends, coworkers and neighbors from his years in Spokane and they were dear to him until the very end. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, doting grandfather and friend to many--- Tony, The Nooch, Papa Nooch-- has touched the lives of so many through his fun-loving spirit, energy, dancing, songs and of course his Italian cooking. His commitment to his wife and daughters were a true testament of his life. He would always contribute to the needs of others less fortunate with random acts of kindness. His gusto for life was evident in everything he did. He was the roar of the crowd, the smell of the grease paint! The legacy and life of the Nooch will live on forever, etched in our memories and our hearts for the rest of our days. We love you, Papa ---every day with you was a gift.