Tony was one of my very best friends since the mid 1990’s. We were neighbors in Brooklyn. At times we were even housemates in New York, and for the last several years of his life here in California. He worked as a chemistry professor in his later years, but had been a big-time activist and grant writer for many years between his getting a Master’s Degree in Chemistry and almost finishing his Ph.D. I’ve heard from his students that he was a beloved and effective teacher, and I know he got a lot out of spreading knowledge.
We often traveled together, including the only time he ever traveled to Europe. We went to Spain, France and Italy, including a trip to visit my family there, with my daughter and me.
Even though he never drove, we also took road trips in California. He and I enjoyed traveling down to explore southern California together a number of times.
It was terrible to lose a friend at 53, but Tony was obstinate and chose his own paths. I miss him terribly, but I have solace that he is out of pain, as cliche as that is. Here are some of my fonder memories of the many years we knew each other.
Hello, my name is Roshanna, but I asked Professor to call me Ro for short. I had the great pleasure of being one of his students. I just found out today that he is no longer with us, this has been one year that we all won’t forget. I just wanted to say that he was a very cool professor that will be truly missed.
Tony, you were ONE OF A KIND❤️. I will miss you and all the fun talks, and time we spent together. I will miss looking over at you while we’re riding to one of your many school destinations, and seeing you jamming to Sade or Simply Red bobbing your head with your eyes closed, you and I reminiscing on the 80’s…Hell I’m just going to miss you period. You were so much apart of my journey coming back to school and succeeding. I thank you…don’t know how far I would’ve gotten without You❤️❤️ I promise to remain a class act and in your words “Not Create A Shit Show” lol 😂 ❤️