Tony Palladino

With a life that spanned near 93 years, Tony Palladino survived some of the very toughest times of this nation. A humble man who liked to keep things simple, he considered himself fortunate to have experienced the joys life has to offer, and making wonderful friends along the way. Tony was blessed to be able to help raise four kids and -with his sweetheart by his side- watch 9 grandchildren come into the world. Tony’s spirit of compassion, keen sense of observation, and sometimes unorthodox style will be missed by all those who knew him.

With the end of WWI in 1919, America was poised for greatness being recognized as a world leader for the first time. The Roaring Twenties was a prosperous time with Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb in the peak of their careers, movies becoming available in both color and sound, and radios bringing us our news, sports, and entertainment. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1921 that brought great joy for a young couple from Elizabeth, New Jersey as they welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home on May 28th. Tony was one of four children born to Joseph and Mary Palladino. Tony was raised alongside his sisters, Alvina “Dolly,” Gloria “Glo,” and Marie “Honey.” His father was a jack of all trades around Elizabeth, while his mother was a teacher.

From an early age Tony was a bustle of activity. He boxed at the neighborhood gym, and played tennis and baseball. (Later when he became a father, he tried to instill certain toughness in his children, encouraging them to play sports and play hard.) He graduated from local schools and went on to earn his civil engineering degree at Rutgers University. As a young man Tony also served in the United States Air Force during the days of WWII, from1943 through much of 1946.

Upon his discharge, Tony teamed with the National Council of Stream Improvement as Midwest regional engineer for the pulp and paper industry for a few years. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, for the remainder of his career as a self employed engineer, Tony designed and supervised construction and operation of industrial wastewater facilities throughout the Midwest, extending from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Gary, Indiana, to areas in West Virginia from 1957 through 1978. As he neared retirement, Tony began working on wastewater studies and rehabilitation projects in Detroit in 1979 and then Milwaukee until 1986. During this time he became an enthusiastic Toastmaster participant. Tony officially retired in 1987.

While busy establishing his career, his personal life grew very exciting when he met the woman of his dreams Violet Wayne while at a Wednesday evening supper club hosted by a church in Kalamazoo. The two dated, but Tony had to chase Vi to Oregon in order to propose! Tony married his sweetheart on April 21, 1956, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with four children: Deanna, Joseph (Mike), Lou, and Alex. He affectionately called his kids “Palsy.” Tony had a great appetite. Braunschweiger and mustard on a stale piece of bread was an ideal lunch. A pot of leftovers made into a stew was a great dinner if Vi wasn’t cooking that evening. The perfect dessert was ice cream and peanuts. Of course, Vi expected that he be on time for dinner, and most every night he was late!

The Palladino family enjoyed annual summer vacations to various Great Lakes destinations where they stayed in a cabin, camper, tent, or dormitory. Nearly every year they took a road trip to New Jersey and/or Pennsylvania for one of their extended family celebrations. Twice, Tony took his children to a Tigers’ game. They also went to Western Michigan University football games, arriving for the second half when admission was cheap! When relaxing at home, he could generally be found sitting on the floor reading the newspaper in his white linen boxer underwear and tank top tee.

He was actively involved in church, sang in the choir, taught CCD classes, helped set up for annual picnics, and regularly donated to the church and people in need. Every year in the 70’s, Tony gathered up available members of his family to assist with the deliveries of the annual YMCA Thanksgiving baskets. He gave time and money where he could. As an avid bridge player, Tony and his wife attended and hosted several bridge parties. He was proud to offer his home to tennis advocates and friends who liked to watch the annual USTA Boys’ 18 and 16 National Tennis Championship at Stowe Stadium since they lived in such close proximity. Tony was also proud to see his own son, Alex, play in the tournament for three consecutive years. Tony put his creative talents to good use by performing in Hackett High School’s theatrical fundraisers.

During his retirement years, Tony continued to live life to the fullest. He celebrated his retirement by taking a chartered trip to Europe with Vi, which included a trip back to his homeland in Italy. Not yet able to sit still, Tony participated in community theater, senior tennis tournaments, and was on the board of his Boynton Beach community, Sterling Village. It was Tony who started their annual talent show, “Village Players,” during the early nineties. There were also unforgettable celebrations for his 80th birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary with countless friends and loved ones.

Over the years Tony was a man of many interests. He was rarely one to watch television as he always thought it was just a bunch of racket, but he did enjoy a good laugh while watching the likes of funny men Redd Foxx, Bob Newhart and Flip Wilson. Tony also watched games from time to time, but he could get annoyed when referee blew the whistle. During the kids sporting events he didn’t always agree with the umpire and their ability to make the correct call. He enjoyed the Tigers, and it has been said that he once got into a cab with legendary pitcher, Bob Feller. However, Tony had no proof of this incident as he claimed that they were so busy talking that he forgot to ask him for his autograph! He liked music of the big bands, and if you had to say what he liked to read, then the newspapers built up in his car, and the collection of books and journals in the upstairs rest room could tell that tale! He also loved watching the Olympics, as he appreciated amateur athletes who were in their prime. Tony admired anyone who was exercising. Upon seeing a guy running in the street, he would just say “Look at that guy run!” He just had a way of admiring people.

An extraordinary man to know and love, Tony Palladino was a blessing to those around him. He was guided by his personal faith and filled with a desire to serve others. Tony will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Tony Palladino died on November 11, 2013. His family includes his wife, Violet; children: Deanna (James) Montgomery, Mike Palladino, Lou (Ann Reeb) Palladino and Al (Mona) Palladino; sisters: Gloria “Glo” Zielinsky and Marie “Honey” (John) Eller; 9 grandchildren: Jordan, Bailey, Leah, Betsy, Amanda, Evan, Max, Marek, and Megan. Tony was preceded in death by sister, Dolly (Joe) Novello. Celebrate Tony, visit with his family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Sunday, December 1st from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 2nd at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral. Interment- Genesee Prairie Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s UMC, 600 Pecore; Houston, TX 77009.