Anthony Violi

Anthony Violi, age 102 died on November 25, 2020 peacefully in his sleep at Tuscany Gardens Care Center in Pataskala, Ohio.   He is now with his wife, Alice, who died in 2007.

He was born in Adena Ohio in 1918 during the pandemic to Guido and Vittoria (DelFavro) Violi.  He had 2 brothers and two sisters.

He was well known for his love of music.   He earned his music degree in 1942 from The Ohio State University.   He began his career as a music teacher in McArthur then spent 17 years as director of the Steubenville High School bands. During this time, under his leadership the SHS marching band was chosen to represent the state of Ohio in the inaugural parades of both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.   Under his direction the band received invitations to the Macy’s Christmas Parade and the Orange Bowl.  He also taught at Buchanan, Aquinas, Catholic Central and Holy Rosary during his teaching career.

He served in the U.S. Army in the 95th Infantry Division during WWII in the European theater.  He participated in the Battle of Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Bulge.  Citations include the EMAE Theater with 3 bronze stars; The American Theater Ribbon, WW II Victory Ribbon, and Medal of Honor, issued by the French Government for participating in the Battle of Normandy.

He was a member of the OSU Alumni Band and participated annually in the half-time show.  At 95 he was honored to direct the National Anthem.  Fulfilling a life-long dream, he was chosen to dot the “i” in the Script Ohio at age 100.  

Anthony was a member of the LaBelle View Methodist Church where he served as choir director and Sunday school teacher.  He is a current member of the Wintersville United Methodist Church, where he directed and sang in the choir.

He was a member of the Tri-State Community Band.  Anthony was a 32nd degree Mason at the Masonic Lodge #45 in Steubenville where he received the Valley Service Award; and a member of The Scottish Rite, Valley of Steubenville where he directed the Scottish Rite Choir and received the Scottish Rite Meritorious Award.   He was a member of the Steubenville Shrine, and was awarded the Meritorious Service Award from Aladdin Temple in Columbus in 2000.  He was also a member of the Eastern Star #128 of McArthur, Alpha Phi Delta Alumni Club, Aladdin Shrine of Columbus, American Association of retired teachers, American Bowling Congress,  the Italian Culture Club, Ohio State Alumni Association, Ohio State Alumni Band, life member of TBDBITL Alumni Club and Script Ohio Club.  He received the Herald Star “Community Star Award” in 2009 for his social and civic activities.

He is survived by his three daughters, Joyce (Kenneth) Mathews of Pataskala, Linda (Ian) Deming of Pownal, Maine, and Marcia (Dan) Sobieski of Rancho Cucamonga,CA,  six grand-children and 9 great-grandchildren.

Those who knew Tony know he always asked “why me”?  “I am from Adena.”    When you touch the lives of so many as he has, “why not”?

As we look back over his life, we know HE TRULY HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Due to COVID there will be no visiting hours.  

Arrangements through Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel.  A private interment with military honors will be held at the Mausoleum at Union Cemetery December 4, 2020.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date when gathering is safe.

It was his wish that contributions be made in his honor to the Ohio State University Alumni Script Ohio Club or The Shrine Hospital for burned and crippled children in Cincinnati.

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Cincinnati
3229 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati OH 45229

www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/cincinnati

The Ohio State University Foundation

Script Ohio Endowment Fund  #607139

1480 West Lane Avenue

Columbus, Ohio  43221

https://www.tbdbitl.com/wb/support-tbdbitl/the-script-ohio-club/

Offer condolences,www.mostifuneralhome.com