Funeral Details

I’m just devastated. He was fierce and funny and I am so sorry that we did not get to know him sooner. I would have liked more time. Once, when I was struggling with the meaning of Zionism and I asked if he considered himself a Zionist, and in my defense it really was before I knew him well—and he looked at me like I had two heads! I guess I got my answer! He made me laugh, he surprised me, he was quick and witty and I’ve never known anyone else who loved Song of Myself the way he did. What special human being he was. May his memory always a blessing to those who loved him.

Amy Parker

It's hard to overstate the impact Tony's enthusiasm, smarts, and advocacy had on me, on Theater Oobleck, and, I believe, on the entire character of Chicago theater. It wasn't just that he gave us good reviews, or that those reviews were so eight-ball-corner-pocket well written -- yes to all that -- but that he went out of his way to champion Oobleck's raggedy ass mess of a "style" (if you can bless what we do with having one.) He insisted on the value and sublimity of that style, and pulled off an uncommon trick for a reviewer: expressed precisely what the hell we, the artistes, felt we were up to, but weren't so eloquent to describe. Listen: his writing did more than help put butts in seats, and plump my ego. It improved me as a playwright. Do I need to tell you how rare it is for a playwright to confess that?

His generosity, his insight, his humor, his love. All will be missed.

Mickle Maher

dear Beth, Max, and Emmett,
with love and gratitude, I send you big hugs for all the happy times we shared when Rob and Sandy and Beth and Tony were young parents and Sam and Jesse and Max and Emmett were kids. Being young families together was so great, lots of get-togethers, suppers, play dates at everybody’s houses.
I remember the first Whitmantide, when Max was still in his crib and y’all lived up in Rogers Park. Great memories come rolling in with warmth and joy.
I think of how Tony came over and talked to Sam and Jesse when Rob passed away and Tony talked about how he knew what it felt like to lose your dad when you are a kid.
And then I think of Tony being a kind mentor for Sam when he was a young journalist and photographer. Tony was a mentor and a mensch.

Beth. my heart is full for you, knowing of the deep feeling of loss , to miss your husband.
I send you big hugs. I’ll see you at Shiva to do it in person.
So so glad that you and Tony got to see your kids grow up and be with these dear grandkids of yours.
Max and Emmett, so glad that you got to have Papa Tony be grandpa for your kids.
The blessings of much to be thankful for will continue even while missing Tony.
See you soon Beth!
with love to Max and Emmett and your dear families.
Love from Sandy Adams

Sandra Adams

I had the rare experience of working as a poet for the City of Chicago alongside Tony via the Artists-in-Residence program in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Tony and I delivered themed readings of our work at Chicago cultural institutions and also taught writing in schools and other settings across the city. Tony was always a gifted teacher and brilliant writer. He had particular impact on young people’s lives as lpthrough a summer program we founded called Word City where young people were paid to study various genres of writing.

Tony was an uncompromising and clear-eyed critic and editor on the Chicago theatre scene for many years. His intellectual rigor and high standards made it hard to argue with his opinions, even if he was turning thumbs down on a production I had been a part of bringing to the stage. My wife Darlene and I are deeply saddened by his passing. All our support to his wife Beth and his sons Max and Emmett.

Richard Friedman

When I taught high school classes at Beth Emet, there were two 9th grades. Tony was not in my class, but I remember Tony bringing a breath of fresh air to the Saturday morning services that students conducted. He sang Debbie Friedman songs and modernized some of the liturgy with a spirit of excitement, because he knew he was doing something different. Where he led, others followed.

I am so sorry he left this life too soon.

Laurie Merel

To Beth and Family,
My most sincere heartfelt condolences.
Tony's light will always shine. Another star in the sky.
Much Love and Sympathy- May his memory be always for a Blessing. Debi Buzil

Debi Buzil

In trying to find the words describe my feelings right now, I am a total loss.
Tony was a lot of things to a lot of people. For me he was a hero. I knew him to be kind, smart, generous, and brave. The impact he had, and will continue to have, over the lives of countless artists is immeasurable. The impact he has had on my life personally could not be put into words. He had all my respect and admiration. He taught me so much and I will never forget that he made it possible for me to live a life as an artist. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for having known him.
To Beth, Emmett, Max, and your beautiful families, my heart goes out to you. He has left a lasting legacy.

Sylvia Hernandez DiStasi