Anthony Patrick Spallone

Anthony Patrick Spallone, age 76, of Grand Rapids passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, unexpectedly at Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (Formally known as the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans). Tony was preceded in death by his parents Anne and Tony Spallone, his brother Dr. Salvatore Spallone, his sister Kathleen Scott, his oldest daughter Rachel Hoehn, and the mothers of four of his five children Mary Margaret Myers and Gayle T. Smith. He is survived by his children Anthony M. Spallone, RoseAnne Spallone-Nagle, Anthony S. Spallone, Nick Spallone, Curt Spallone, his 9 grandchildren, his two sisters Lynn and Mary Jane Spallone, his sister-n- law, Arlene Spallone, his godchild, Tina Herzik, his niece Dr. Tiffany Spallone and his nephew, Salvatore Spallone, Jr. as well as many other relatives and dear friends. Tony served his country in the Vietnam War in the 60’s in the 11th Cavalry Armored Regiment in the U.S. Army. He received a Combat Infantry Badge for his service in Vietnam as well as a Vietnam Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged. He was a member for 14 years of the American Legion Post #356. He was previously an active member of the VFW Post #3023 until it closed in previous years. Tony was born in Newark, New Jersey on St. Patrick’s Day in 1947, and he’d later go on to say that “Every year, all the bars and grills celebrate my birthday.” He was the youngest son of five children. He ran a very successful family landscaping business with his father and brother at a very young age. His brother, Sal, was always his best friend. He had an eye for architecture and art as a young man. When he returned home from Vietnam, he received his plumbing license while in New Jersey. When he moved to Florida, he started his own business as a master painter and contractor. He spent most of his career in this business living in both Florida and New Jersey. During his eight-year tenure at Disney Development Company (DDC), Tony played a pivotal role in overseeing significant construction projects at Disney in Orlando. This included leading the construction efforts for the Yacht & Beach Club at Disney World. For the last years of his life, he was a resident at the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids since 2010. In 2021, Tony was nominated at the 16 over 60 Awards Gala for being a “Veterans Health Advocate Helping Hand Staunch Ally”. For decades, Tony fought to make life better for Veterans, as well as nurses and caregivers supporting them. Most of the older vets Tony fought for were individuals with disabilities. Despite having major health issues, he frequently traveled to Lansing to testify at the Capitol, advocating for policy changes and for the construction of the new Veteran’s home. Tony always said, “In the military, I was taught to Never leave one man or woman back. So that is what I do.” Tony loved to golf (especially with his son, Anthony), enjoyed his close friends at the American Legion, The Vestal Inn, Bud and Stanley’s, Charlie’s Bar & Grill, and other local establishments. He loved good food and good company. He especially enjoyed the times he spent with his closest friends Ray, (who served our country in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War) Nancy, and Scott Henkel and Debbie Alberich. He also enjoyed special times with his close buddies Mike and Bill. He considered them all his Michigan family. He appreciated and loved all the special individuals who cared for him over the years at the Michigan Veteran Homes in Grand Rapids. He loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all who loved him and whose lives he touched. No one was a stranger to Tony. He would jokingly say, “I don’t have friends, I only have acquaintances,” but in reality, if you were his friend, you were his family, and he cared deeply for everyone in his life. Memorial services will be held on March 15th 2024, to honor his life and his service at St. Jude's Church at 1:00 p.m.

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Anthony Patrick Spallone

March 17, 1947 - January 24, 2024