Anthony John "Tony" Pinciotti

1975 - 2024

Anthony John "Tony" Pinciotti

July 20, 1975 - December 24, 2024

It is with great sorrow and sadness that we are announcing the passing of our son, Anthony J. "Tony" Pinciotti, July, 20,1975-December 24, 2024.

We unfortunately were not notified of his death until December 30, when information started coming in. We are still in shock, still processing. There are many unanswered questions.

Tony, or Anthony as he was known in his professional world, was a jazz musician, a highly regarded drummer living in Brooklyn, New York. His wife, Annette and son, Salvatore still reside there.

Growing up in Toledo with parents, Tony and Kathy (Santus, Pinciotti ) Hurst and sister, Melissa "Missy," he attended Whitmer High School, where, after meeting fellow student and gifted keyboardist, Ron Oswanski, he became interested in Jazz music. A true rock drummer, he was in his early years, Jazz took a huge hold of him, thanks to Ron.

Tony played as a teenager at the famous Rusty's Jazz Cafe here in Toledo, sitting in many times with house pianist, Eddie Abrams, on numerous occasions, and also played with Toledo Jazz greats Jimmy Cook, Gene Parker, Ray Parker, and Clifford Murphy, to name a few.

Nationally famous artists were guests there too like Tim Ries, sax player for The Rolling Stones, and Ira Sullivan, world renowned horn player; Tony would play with them all.

Realizing his potential, Ira Sullivan invited Tony to Miami, Florida, to be his drummer. Oddly enough, Tony had received a full scholarship to Miami University for Jazz Studies. And though he attended only briefly, he was on his way.

He moved to Chicago where he quickly became a sought after drummer, playing with the likes of James Moody, Lynne Arriale, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and more. He made the move to New York to be around the most famous Jazz musicians in the world, built up a reputation, and was a first call drummer for the many artists there. Most recently, he was the steady drummer for Spike Wilner, owner of Small's Jazz Club and head of the Spike Wilner Trio. They have played nationally and internationally all over the world.

Many accolades and condolences have been pouring in as people are finding out, most notably on Facebook. All are devastated, as are we. At this time we have no plans for a memorial service, though things may change in the future. For now, please remember Anthony, Tony, in your thoughts and prayers.

His new and permanent gig will be working with God, in His Heavy and Heavenly Jazz Band.