Dad, we love you.
You have made our lives so much richer with your great sense of humor. Thanks for your guidance and love and concern for us. Dad, I hope you finish the book you are going to write on how to grow things and make things right. I pray that the good LORD will continue to bless you with good health and fill your heart with HIS peace and joy. We are looking forward to your celebration of your 90th birthday.
Lots of hugs and kisses
Ken, Lorraine, Adam, Wendy and Dave and all our grandchildren- Brett, Katie, Megan, Mikaela, and our new baby due in July
To my "big brother" Tony, from your "baby sister" . . as you call me.
Tony:
I am very fortunate to be your sister. You are a great brother
who has been the backbone of our parents family.
You have always been an inspiration to all of your siblings. You have
always been so dearly loved and missed for all the years you lived so
far away from us.
I am fortunate because I moved to California - not by choice - Mama
said, with tears running down her cheeks, "You must go where your
husband wants to go". So, you and Bea so graciously opened your home
and hearts to me, my husband and our 3 1/2 year old daughter, Barbara
Ann. George arrived first in September 1958. I arrived with Barbara
November 1958. Even tho Barb scribbled on your beautiful white leather
chairs with ball point pen, you both tolerated us.
You have always been caring and tried to help us in every way you could.
Years later, you and Mary moved so far away to Vista. You always called
me whenever you arrived n town to ask how things were and if you could
help me in any way.
Finally, you and Mary moved 5 miles away from me and I was estatic. I
had family close by again. You and Mary were able to join me in many of
my Friendly Valley community activities. We took bus trips to Laughlin
with the Catholic Club Tours group. Of course, I was the director of
the Tours. You came to our Little Theatre Shows and our Catholic
Holiday parties. By this time, you left your mark of happiness. Many
people come up to me and tell me what a great brother I have. But, I
know that already.
Now, I have to tell you something from the past. Few people know that
I went to visit you and Bea in Inglewood, CA in 1948. I was 20 years
old. That visit lasted for one year. Your hospitality and kindness at
that time of my life was overwhelming. You were so kind and gracious and
was the big brother who felt responsible for me and wouldn't let me
take the Northern route home to Buffalo when it was time to go home, by
way of Greyhound Bus. You said it was not safe as it was Wintertime.
You have a stubborn streak----you would not give in.
So, therefore, I have not to this day seen the Northern States I wanted
to see, for I knew the chance would never come again. By the way, it
never did. But I love you Tony, even tho I had 2 fathers.
Stay as you are. You are truly loved by all that know you.
I love you for always.
Happy 90th Birthday
Sis Virg
Dear Tony,
God bless you on your 90th birthday. We are looking forward to your 100th !
We experienced many things throughout our lives. There are THREE that come to mind that I wanted to share on your birthday.
1. How you found me in Hawaii during World War II.
2. The fun we had on the beaches in Hawaii on our day off.
3. I remember the fun we had when you and Mary took me and (my) Mary to the dances when we visited you in California.
We are sorry that we cannot be there to celebrate with you,
but we wish you many more years of health and happiness.
Love,
Joe and Mary
Tony’s 90th Celebration of “A Life Well Lived” Jan. 8, 2006
Special Thoughts of Tony & Family by Cousins George & Rose Spatola
We relocated from Buffalo, NY to the San Fernando Valley July 17, 1959.
Virginia & George Boisvert invited us to dinner at their home the very next day and there we meet our cousins Tony, Bea and their girls, Geri, Jo Ann & Lorraine for the first time.
Our welcome was so warm & overwhelming that we felt at home immediately and thus the beginning of a very special relationship began with our California cousin Tony Rine & his family.
There were many memorable get togethers through the years - - - - – including dinners, parties, casual visits & special life events with Tony & Family.
The most sensitive & thoughtful invitation, “that we hold in our hearts to this day”, is being invited to Tony’s home for our first California Christmas, away from our Buffalo families. Tony & Bea did not want us to be alone on such a special day.
We observed & admired that Tony has always been the ultimate Christian family man – a good provider, a loving husband, father, grand father, a wonderful relative and a good, caring friend to many. He has always been a man who lived his faith.
Tony has always been a man of many talents … master lithographer, handy man, cement layer, gardener, sprinkler installer, story teller, joke teller, etc., etc.
We have always been especially in awe of Tony’s remarkable way with growing plants. Indeed, Tony is the “Green Thumb Man.” For example, it amazed us how Tony grew big, juicy, delicious figs in his backyard. We tried to do the same from a graft of Tony’s fig plant but never succeeded to grow anything as well as Tony did.
When Tony & Mary moved to Vista, it was quite a sight to see how, in a limited space Tony was able to created a flower & vegetable garden with a unique automatic watering system that functioned while Tony & Mary took off in their beautiful 5th Wheel for much deserved & relaxing vacations.
Tony’s strength of character, compassion and a love of LIFE, is truly an inspiration to all of us. Tony, your mother, Aunt Angelina, must have been a big influence on you, as you grew up in a very loving family. We remember Aunt Angelina & Uncle Sam’s hospitality when we lived in Buffalo. You and your family through the years have continued that tradition. WE LOVE YOU for being you.
We wish you, Mary and your families continued happy, healthy days filled with God’s Blessings.
Thank you for inviting us to be part of this special day in your life.
Happy Birthday
Love & Prayers Always Dear Cousin
George & Rose
Dear Tony--
You've always been a blessing to all of us. I remember the total good naturedness you showed me when I needed your help on my College Art project--(lithography). We hope you have a terrific time with relatives and friends at your Birthday party.
God Bless you!!!
Dave and Diana (Spatola) Norton.
Dear Tony,
Mario and I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy 90th birthday. We are thrilled to be part of this celebration and are privileged to have you as our cousin.
When Mario and I married in Buffalo in 1961, we relocated to California immediately. We had no idea of the wonderful built in family that was waiting for us here.
You and your beautiful family welcomed us with open arms. We were astonished to learn that you had been living in California for fourteen years. Now we ourselves have made California our home for 45 years.
We recall our dear cousin Bea, may she rest in peace, speaking to Lorraine and addressing her as Lorraine dear. Our nephew Frank, a boy at the time, thought he heard "reindeer" and so now when Lorraine's name comes up in conversation, we inevitably say," Oh, you mean reindeer"?. A sweet remembrance.
Thank you for all the delicious fruits and vegetables, the lovely flowers from your magnificent gardens and for your special gardening tips.
You are truly a prince of a man. Again, Happy 90th Birthday.
We love you Tony........Cousins, Mario and Jo
Tony:
I would like to send my very best wishes on a milestone that very few get to reach.
I can't think of a more deserving person to reach such a milestone.
When I first arrived in California in 1959, you were one of the 1st persons that I met.
You, Bea, Geri, Jo Anne, and Lorraine were all so Kind, friendly and warm to me, and made me feel so welcome.
I really enjoyed being a member of the family.
I am Honored to be invited to celebrate your Special day.
I look forward to seeing you and toasting you at the party.
As Uncle Joe Scarpace would say, and I salute to you,
Potete in tensione essere cento - may you live to be 100!!
Your cousin,
Lee J. Pappas
DEAR UNCLE TONY;
Birthday Wishes from your family in Buffalo! Happy 90th.
We all wish we could be there to celebrate this wonderful day with you.
Dad and Mom Wish you all the best. Aunt Rose and i were talking the other day and
she was telling my girls about a time, when she came home from a date, and the boy had
made her cry. You told her to never let a boy make her cry, and if they did you would
brake thier legs.
It is memories like this that tell the stories of our lives, and bring a smile to our faces. As for me, I remember all the Love that was felt when the family got together.
The warmth of you and Aunt Bea, Your daughters & thier children. God has blessed you with a great life. It has been one of Hard work, Happieness, Love & Longevity.
So when they raise a toast to you, Know that your family here, is giving thanks for the wonderful Brother and Uncle We are Blessed to have.
Love Always,
Angela, Ron, Teresa, Sara, Maria, Phil,Teresa & Rosie
Hello from Michigan Tony!
Seeing the pictures of you at your 90th birthday party (thanks to Lee Pappas) was great. As one of the "Keepers of the Family Tree" I am delighted to see you so happy alongside my Aunt Helena. I am looking forward to the longevity the two of you have achieved!
Happy 90th Birthday and hopefully you will have many more.
Stay well - be happy! Live life to its fullest!
Hugs always!
Laurie SCARPACE Levy
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