Anthony S. "Tony" Milograno

1926 - 2018

Anthony S. "Tony" Milograno 1926 - 2018
NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Anthony S. "Tony" Milograno, age 91, returned to his beloved wife when he passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018 with his loving family by his side.
Born in Utica, Anthony was the son of the late Alfonse and Anna (DeFiore) Milograno. A proud Veteran, Tony enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country from 1945-1949 during World War II; having been awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and American Theater Medal. He was assigned to the position as a secretary at the Pentagon. He was then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, serving from 1951-1955 during the Korean War era, being Honorably Discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in May 1955. From July 1951 - July 1953, Tony served as the Assistant Chief of the Information and Education Division and Chief of the Personal Affairs Branch, Personnel Services Division, at the Headquarters for the Continental Air Command at Mitchell Air Force Base, Nassau County, New York.
On June 16, 1951 he married the former Helen Lonero with whom he shared almost 59 years of marriage prior to her passing on June 12, 2010. They were a sentimental couple, always with a watchful eye upon one another. Tony and Helen had a complete love and regard that was rare. The tempo of their personalities completed their song of life.
Tony's repertoire of musical aptitudes was prolific and began developing when he was 9 years old. Anthony's Uncle Tony Milograno gave him the love of music. He earned a scholarship and was playing violin at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester while still in high school, a prodigious accomplishment and testament to his talent. He then furthered his studies at the Utica School of Commerce, where he learned his typing and short-hand skills, and Syracuse University, where he majored in Music Education and Violin, earning his bachelor's degree in 1951. Tony completed additional graduate hours to earn his New York State Certification as a Music Teacher in February 1954. Tony remained a loyal Syracuse University Basketball fan until his passing, rarely missing a game on television.
Tony began his teaching career in New Berlin and went on to be the Music Supervisor for the Clinton Central School District, serving them for 32 years. During this period Tony was granted a rare sabbatical, allowing him in 1967 to study abroad for nearly a year in Vienna, Austria, with the Concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic. In addition, he played the violin with multiple orchestras and as part of local performances by major acts including Bob Hope and Tony Bennett. Tony was also the Conductor for the Mantovani Orchestra, which traveled throughout the United States.
He gave of himself when he performed at local nursing facilities, churches, retirement communities, and funerals in memory of his wife Helen. Tony taught violin and numerous other stringed instruments throughout the Utica area. A classically trained violinist, he conducted Utica's Civic Band, was Concert Master for the Utica Symphony Orchestra, Conductor of a Youth Orchestra in Chautauqua, NY, and First Violinist in the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra (CSO), where he spent 26 joyous summers with his family and friends, his violin, and his golf clubs.
Anthony is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Dr. James C. Brown; son and daughter-in-law, Anthony J. and Lynn Milograno; his grandchildren, Alicia Milograno and her husband, Eli Hampton, Elizabeth Milograno and her husband Patrick Berry, Michael Milograno, Kaitland Brown, Walker Brown, Zoe Brown, Christy and Mike Colangelo, Amanda and Steve Krupski, Brett and Alaina Meus; and his great-grandchildren, Lillian Berry, Haley Krupski, Emily Krupski, Reagan Colangelo, and Matthew and Logan Meus. Survivors also include his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Rita Gigliotti, and Joseph Lonero. He also leaves behind his feline companion Lucy, who was always by his side until his passing. Tony was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Carmen and Rose Milograno, and Rosario "Ray" and Theodora Milograno; and his in-laws, Antoinette and Joseph Gillette, and Felix Gigliotti.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding medical team at the Sitrin Health Care Center second floor rehabilitation and skilled nursing units, St. Luke's Hospital Emergency Room, the New Hartford Fire Department, and Edwards Ambulance for their care and compassion shown to Tony and his family over these many months.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Anthony's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Father Joseph Salerno officiating and Father Paul Drobin in attendance of the ceremony. Tony was a lover of all animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Tony's memory to your favorite animal shelter.
Online tributes at www.EannaceFuneralHome.com.