God Bless  / Kim Panzke (Friend)

Always in our hearts!!! God Bless

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Happy Birthday  / J. Jacobs (friend)

Happy birthday my brother from another mother. You will always live in our memories.

God Bless 

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I just heard the news today  / Michelle (Weddle) Leske (High School Friend )
I just heard the news today (9/11/08) about Tony passing .  I am in total shock.  I was friends with Tony in high school and in college.  Tony was one of the good guys!  I have many fond memories of Tony, Scott and Jose.  I feel lucky to have called him my friend.  My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.  I will keep you in my prayers.

Love & God Bless! Close

With sadness and fond memories...  / Ellen (Larson) Musiak (college friend )
In July,  I was in a fender bender and ended up in Enterprise in Huntley, IL. My daughter and I had to wait for a car for quite a bit, since for some unexplained reason the car we were supposed to take had the keys locked in it.  Anyway, while we were waiting, I thought of my old friend Tony. I asked the guy working if he knew Tony, since I figured Tony was a big whig by now, but he didn't. He even looked him up in his computer. Later, I asked another friend and she googled his name, and this memorial is what we found. I am shocked and saddened, but also so deeply touched by this website and just by remembering all the great things about Tony. I have so many great memories of hanging out with him at Northern. Tony always made us laugh, was always on your side, and always a friend. My heart goes out to Denise and your children, as well as the rest of Tony's family and friends. You are in our prayers. I have to say maybe this was no "accident" and was one of Tony's ways of sending his love to you. Close

Deepest Sympathy  / Cindy Swistek (Bylina) (Old Friend (Disney/NIU) )
I just happened to come across this website. I am shocked and deeply saddened to find out that Tony's full life was cut short. Tony was such a kind and caring person. I feel lucky to have known him. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Tony's family and close friends. Close

Just thinking of you...  / Renea Lundin (Friend)
Denise, Mr. & Mrs. Barone, Ann Marie, Philip, and Michael, please know that I often think of Anthony and the void each of you must feel on a daily basis.  Please know that you all (and the kids) have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past year and will continue to be.  With much love, Renea, Bryce, & boys Close

I know what your family is going through  / Alicia Ercoli(Haak) (friend/neighbor)
I am truly so sorry for your loss.  I've thought a lot about your family for the past year, even tried lighting a candle after Tony's passing.  My husband just past away suddenly on 6/12/2008.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  I now know the personal struggles you are facing and I hope one day things get easier.  Maybe I can get some advice from you on how to cope.  My children were also very touched by this wonderful memorial and we think we will create one for our new angel Christopher.  God Bless and my prayers are with you and your family.

Alicia Ercoli(Haak) Close

Just heard  / Kelly Slavich (maiden Name Danowski) (Friend)
I just recently found out about Tony's passing.  I was really sad to hear about it.  I have some fond, funny memories of Tony from high school.  Although we didn't keep in touch after high school I always remembered Tony as a great guy.  He and Jose were always good for a laugh.  Tony was a wonderful person.  My sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  I was lucky to have known Tony.  God bless! Close

Thinking of you!  / Johnny McVicker (Friend/Brother)

It was after Easter dinner at mom's house, all of the family was there and we were about to eat and an old story about you came up.  I can't go into details here...but all of us know it was a hilarious story involving, Jimmy, Scott, and yourself in a car.  It cracks me up everytime I think about it!  There are so many more stories, times that I love to talk about involving you and my brother that it breaks my heart that I can't share them with you!  I miss you everyday!  Denise sent all of us a picture of you and you are full of life.  Ever since the day I met you some 30 plus years ago you'll ALWAYS have a place in my heart.  Sunday was 8 months since you left us and again, there's not 1 day that goes by that I don't think about you.  I hope you are in heaven and your watching over all of us and seeing how much we all love and miss you dearly.  I love you buddy!

Your friend, your brother

Johnny

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Some Things I'd Like to Say...  / Meghan Gabor (Niece)
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to Me.


I "borrowed" this from someone else's website. It just seemed to fit so well.
I miss you Tony, everyday.
Love you lots.
xoxo
Meghan Close

Thanks for the Song  / Mark

Tony,

Our boy Bystrom was "popped" to full VP of Remarketing Operations last night.  As Scharfy and I were tipping a beer to him (at a remote location), Scharf pointed out the song in the background at that exact time...

"Walk Tall" (the song on this website) was playing.

We miss you a ton but knew you were enjoying the news and letting us know you were there having a cold one with us...

Thanks for the song (and all the laughs along the way)

...Mark, Brian, and Mike

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Heartfelt condolences to Denise & kids  / Danelle Sowatzke (Old friend & client of D's )
Denise,
My heart aches for your tremendous loss! It seems like yesterday that you were bubbling over talking about your & Tony's wedding plans.  Such wonderful memories in such a short time.  Know that I think of you often & pray for you & the kids ALL the time!
Much love,
Danelle
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Reflection / Michael Brandes (Friend)
Tony,

Renee reminded me of this passage from your mass booklet last summer:

"You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, or You can do what he'd want, smile, open your eyes, Love and go on."

I am thinking about Denise, the kids, your parents and your siblings and wishing them all as pleasant and peaceful of a new year as possible.

-Michael Close

I can't light a candle!  / Nicky (friend)
Ok I've tried to light 4 candles over the last month and none of them are posting. I've decided that putting me on some sort of spam list is your idea of a joke after all the cards I sent you!!

I am watching the Office and can't help but to think of you. THis is the first time I've been able to watch it since you left us. BTW I also have touched the Fisch Food in my freezer...

Just wanted you to know that I miss you more and more as time passes. xoxoxox Nicky Close

October 23rd...  / Nicky Wenzel (friend)
Hi Bello. I'm sure everyone is feeling a little extra blue tonight. 
I'm dreading tomorrow already. I'm just so sad that you are not here. 
David Walsh wrote an amazing article about you last week. I wish you could have seen it. I sent it to Denise and we'll get her a copy of the magazine.
I miss you Bello. And to all of you who are sad today, I send big hugs. 
Nicky
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Anthony Barone - A Life's Reflection  / Read At Anthony's Services ~. John Lifka ~Friend (Posted from Anthony's wife, Denise )
                           ANTHONY BARONE- A Life’s Reflection

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28


I have a love story to tell today. It’s a story of two people that I am pretty sure most of us in this room know. Two very different people you might think at first, not even comparable perhaps. But then-- when you really sit back, think, pray and just wonder over it a bit- I believe you will start to think otherwise. This love story is a story of two men- both in their young thirties. Each man had their own path to travel. One path shows us how we are called to live our lives and the other shows us how one man did just that.

So I’m thinking you probably know one of the guys I am speaking of. Of course Anthony Barone. I am speaking of Anthony- a true disciple of Christ. And if one word is to remain with you today and forever that you will remember Anthony by- I believe it should be that word- Disciple. Okay, ‘but John’ you’re thinking- Tony’s can be described as so many things- but Disciple?? Yes. Because when you put all the stories, all the successes, all the hardships, all the good times off to the side, when you dig deep into your heart and are truly honest with yourself--- what are we truly called to do here on this earth? Exemplify Christ right?! Be like Christ. And to be like Christ is to be a disciple of Christ. That is it. And so if we can do this as Tony has done- we will without question already have succeeded in all those other areas in our life that we hold up as being important. So that brings me to the 2nd person I am referring to – Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Whoa- wait a minute- now you are thinking- c’mon John- isn’t it wrong to have the nerve to say our Tony Barone’s life is similar to Jesus Christ himself!! Isn’t this stretching it a bit? I mean Philip, Scott, Jose- you knew Tony in his younger years- you know the some of the dirt- right??! Are we really talking about the same guy- Tony Barone, are you sure??

And yet…. Again when you just sit for a moment, quiet yourself and think about it- Yes. Yes we are. And it all begins to make a little more sense. And we begin to find peace.

And so the story begins- the story our Anthony and our Lord Jesus Christ shared with me just the other morning so that I may share with each one of you here today……

THE ROAD TO CALVARY- THE ROAD TO SALVATION…..

• Jesus is condemned to death
Tony, you were given a life sentence 22 months ago. This is not something you wanted- yet you accepted it. Not with animosity to our Lord, but with Faith.
• Jesus takes up his cross
Jesus picked up that cross and began His journey not knowing exactly what lied ahead. Tony, you too took up your cross not knowing what hurdles were in front of you, but by faith and courage you and Denise knew you were going to fight and fight hard.
• Jesus falls the 1st time
Tony, when you were diagnosed the first time with testicular/germ cell cancer, we all fell with you. But it was easier for us to get up as we followed your lead, your strength, and your determination. And with you we continued your walk.
• Jesus meets his mother
Mrs. Barone, our Mother Mary is with you and she knows and feels your suffering- She was there when you were at Tony’s side after that first fall and right now at this very moment. You brought comfort to your son as Mary did for her Son. And Tony wants you to know that right now and wants you and Mr. Barone both to know to call to Mary during times of need today and going forward. Your touch and your presence to Tony these last 22 months and all the years prior from giving birth, changing diapers, walking to school, making sandwiches, bandaging the cuts and scrapes, and ultimately to watching him grow into the beautiful person and example of Christ he has become today. These memories, these times are as precious as our Mother Mary holding Jesus in her arms at the manger and laying him down to rest from the cross. This is powerful and Anthony is with you and thanking you both for this now.
• Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
All of us in this church are Simon. We did not want to have to be under that cross, just as much as we did not want Tony to bear it. But we did because we were called to do so. And Tony needed each of us. During his walk and today, Tony prayed for you to, thanked God for you and wanted to let you know this-

Tony writes:

To my dearest family and friends:

Good ‘morning’ everyone and God Bless you all. Well, here we are again with yet another challenge to meet. We will meet this challenge head on and do whatever is necessary to win. Please know how much we appreciate all of you being here to participate in this ‘service’ in my honor. We are so lucky to have all of you and we hope you know how much you mean to us.

One thing that cancer has taught us is that we can’t do it alone. We need the support, the love, the help, and the prayers of those around us. Without that these battles would be much more difficult and perhaps insurmountable. We are so lucky to have all of you and that the Lord put you in our lives. The Lord has blessed us in so many ways and he continues to do so. We pray every day for many things and the Lord has come through. We know he is there for us now and will see us through this next challenge. And I know like the beautiful poem Footprints in the Sand, he is going to carry me through the difficult times that may lie ahead. And I must tell you that when our family and friends in Chicago held the prayer service for us during my stem cell transplant on June 8th 2006, that day was truly the best day I had in the 23 days I was in the hospital that time. I was actually up walking around and felt good. So I know the Lord was with me now as He was then and I have to thank all of you for that.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to pray for me and my family. Please know how much this means to us. Denise, the kids, and I truly feel blessed to have each one of you in our lives. And while ‘I’ can’t be there ‘today’ physically, know ‘I’ am there in Spirit. In my constant prayer I thank God for each one of you and to bless each one of you. God bless you all and ‘I know its hard, but please’ have a wonderful ‘afternoon for me’. A special thanks to each of you. You are truly special friends and special people and you mean the world to us!

God Bless you,

‘Anthony and’ The Barone Family.

• Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Sweet Veronica…… Sweet Denise……..
Denise, You wiped my face (and God knows everything else) more times than anyone could ever know. You were my rock, my mule, my everything! I still worry for you though even yet today with the kids and bills and me just not being physically there. I only worry as you worry though. Because I now know what you don’t…… Oh Denise if you could just see her. Julia is so beautiful and just like her mother. Strong, loving, a little bit sassy, and when I look into her eyes- I see you and all the love, kindness and generosity that you are. I did just like we said- I gave Julia that big hug and I didn’t let go. But then, then I gave her a kiss for you and she felt your lips, I’ve held her hand for you and she has felt your touch. She sees you in me and I see you in her. So let go of that worry babe, and know that you are here with us and we are there with you. I love you and I am exactly where I am suppose to be now and you will be okay. Trust me and trust God. I love you, Anthony.

• Jesus falls the 2nd time
The mass in his chest has not shrunk. But it’s dead right?? We need to operate. Will Tony survive; will he be on ventilator for life? The surgery is over. How is he?? Is he okay, is he breathing?? Tony is breathing on his own. Alleluia!
The mass from his chest has a couple of live cancer cells. Oh no, Oh no…. Leukemia.
Tony falls the 2nd time.

• Jesus meets and consoles the women of Jerusalem
This is it you all! This is the true legacy of Tony’s life. How much can one guy take we asked?? Yet with thousands of emails, letters and visits- who was consoling who? Who was healing who?? Yes we prayed for the miracle, we prayed for the healing of Tony, we tried to bring comfort to Denise and Tony. But Tony (and Denise) could see it in our eyes just as Jesus saw it those women. And what did happen, what has happened? Tony responded to all those letters, all those visits of hope and despair with nothing but encouragement, with healing words to bring comfort to each one of us with hospitality, with humor, with dignity, grace, and prayer. And because Tony found our Lord, he brought all of us to Lord along with him. We found ourselves at the foot of the cross questioning, beckoning, begging, praying, hoping, and trusting. And our Lord took a hold of his disciple Tony and raised him up from his 2nd fall and consoled all of us thru our brother Anthony. This is especially true to his closest family members. To Denise, Nicholas, Christopher, Gianna, Mom, Dad, Anne Marie, Philip, Michael, the LoPiccalos, the nieces, nephews, cousins and all the rest. These past few weeks, you had the privilege, the honor to hear something special from your husband, your dad, your son, your brother, your uncle, your cousin and your friend. What a gift from our Father thru Anthony to you.
Anthony meets and consoles his brothers and sisters in Christ.

• Jesus falls his 3rd and final time
Hi Denise, how are you doing? How’s Tony doing??
“Well……, Tony has smooth muscle cancer.”
This was the hardest fall- because it seemed to take the most out of me and it felt like it lasted the longest. It was much harder to get up this time because each time I tried there was something holding me down. Whether it was another test, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, failing kidneys, shortness of breath, lack of muscle strength or just the pain- it was just plain hard to get up. But I did- I had no other choice- my choice was only one- to get up and see my Gianna crawl into my lap or to watch Nicholas and Christopher play in the yard. My choice was always consistent, always clear- to keep fighting and live strong until I could not any longer. And that’s exactly what I did!

• Jesus was stripped of his garments
This was a very difficult time for Jesus and his family and his friends. It’s the time when humility is at the fore front. A time just prior to surrendering to our Lord when there is still a glimmer of hope that this cross will be taken away. Tony, Denise and all of us- we all continued to pray hard during this time when confusion and suffering reached its peak and acceptance was just around the corner.

• Jesus is nailed to the cross
Hi Denise, how is it going today?
We are visiting with Dr. Dipercio on Monday and we will know more then….
Tony and Denise- the cancer is progressing too fast. I think its time we stop fighting….
Well Doc, I fought the good fight, and I am ready to go home and spend time with my family.

• Jesus dies on the cross
Father into your hands I commend my Spirit. And with that Jesus breathed his last.
It’s 5:10 am this past Monday morning July 23, Denise awakes next to Anthony with him looking into her eyes.
“it’s okay Anthony, it’s okay for you to go now and give Julia that hug”
And with that Anthony Barone breathed his last.

• Jesus is taken down from the cross and Jesus is laid to rest
Now this is where this story catches up to us today, right now laying our brother Anthony to rest.

And this is the part of this love story that brings us the joy and comfort we need. Where this journey ends and the Glorious begins for Anthony.

By reason that I did not know Tony until he was 23 years old, I did not and really could not focus today on the early years of Anthony’s life and all the beautiful memories of Tony growing up with Mom and Dad, his sister Anne Marie, his brothers Philip and Michael, and family parties with all the aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. I could not tell stories of all the baseball games, football games, road trips, parties, and the uncountable days and late nights with Jose, Scott, Johnny, Pipes, and all Tony’s college fraternity brothers. I cannot properly bring to the table the success story of a young college intern. Who turned into a young man that dedicated his entire working career to one company, climbing the corporate ladder and all the stories along the way with KJ, Mark and all Tony’s friends and colleagues at such a generous and blessing of a company in Enterprise. God bless you Enterprise! And I can only imagine the impact Tony has had on his family of friends in St. Louis and his neighbors that were there for Denise and Tony day in and day out. The stories on this driveway or that driveway in this garage or that one. After this bud light or that bud light. I can only imagine.

And even Anthony’s gorgeous wife Denise, and 3 beautiful children Nicholas, Christopher, and Gianna here with us and Julia with Tony. I cannot due justice in describing Tony’s undying love, care, admiration for, and endless memories with them all.

But I realize I do not have to. These stories, these memories, these gifts are for each one of you to hold onto and cherish. Because what I will tell you is this. These gifts- these words from Tony, years with Tony, days with Tony, or even minutes with Tony—These moments are from our Lord above.

Make no mistake about it. Tony was awesome for a reason. Tony drew you in for a reason. Tony made you laugh and made you feel welcome for a reason. You should know and believe that God wanted it that way.

Why do bad things happen to good people?? Because Good people bring you closer to our Lord-- Good People gather many friends-- Good people impact lives-- Good people turn a few loaves into bushel baskets—Good people are Disciples of Christ. And Good people carry thru on God’s plan. And this ‘bad’ thing. You know Tony said it right and more than once on this journey- and I believe if you asked him today- he would say the same- “It hasn’t been all that bad”.

Denise, Nicholas, Christopher, Gianna, Mr. & Mrs. Barone, Anne Marie, Philip, and Michael- I pray you find comfort in knowing our Brother Anthony has accomplished his mission and left his legacy on this earth at 35 years old. Yea -it took him a couple more years than Jesus, but give the guy a break.

And finally when you thought it was over, this morning as I questioned Tony if this was the message he wanted to send….. Tony played a song for me on the radio at that given moment- it was by Nicole Nordeman-

And it sang out:

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world

Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy.

Well done, Mr. Tony Barone, you did it. So today, we all know you have got our backs up there- and now I and all those in this church would like to show you Anthony, you Denise, along with Nicholas, Christopher, and Gianna- that we’ve got your back down here….

Amen my Brother in Christ.

I….. We love you!!!






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Man's Best Friend  / Mark &. Debbie
Tony,
Around this time last month, we lost another best friend too early.  Her love was unconditional, she was always full of joy, always excited to see us, and never far from our side.  She was our crazy spoiled dog Harley.

And while it is still taking us much time to accept the fact that both of you are no longer with us here on Earth making us laugh and always smile, we can't help but notice the similarities of wonderful lessons and the tremendous impact you both have had on our lives in such a short time.

This comforting connection also came rushing to us pretty quickly...

If a dog's personality is truly a reflection of it's owner, then we are confident there couldn't be a more important messenger we could send to help you remember that we will never be far from your side.

Please give her a pet on the head, a cookie from the jar, and a lot of fun walks around for us.  This is truly man's best friend and one of our best friends taking care of each other.

You will never be gone from our hearts and minds,
Mark and Debbie Close

Beer muscles with the Cubs  / Joe Aybar (Best Friend )

It has never been a dull moment hanging around Tony. 

During the early 90's a few of us decided to take a road trip to St. Louis.  We were taking advantage of the local night life when all of the sudden Tony tells me that needs me to "back him up".  This was code for my beer muscles have gotten me into trouble again.  Someone at the club was tapping Tony on the shoulder but when he turned around no one was there.  The next time this happened we both turned around and realized that it was Sammy Sosa.  The rest of the Chicago Cubs were not far behind as they were in town for the Cubs Card game.  Of course we partied with them the rest of the night.  

This is another "Barone" story that I have had the pleasure of being a part of.  

I am so blessed to have met Tony & Scott in grade school and to have that friendship last all these years.    

Tony, thanks for all the memories! 

Jose

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Keeping you in our prayers...  / Faron, Kristie, Nathan, Sami Thompson (Former neighbours, friends )
We had the distinct pleasure of living down the street from Tony, Denise, and the kids in Eureka, MO for five years before we moved to Phoenix. To us, the Barone's are part of a special group of neighbourhood friends from Eureka that we will always cherish. Most people don't get the opportunity to have such a great group of neighbours like we had in Eureka and we dearly miss everyone since we moved in mid-2005.

What can be said about Tony that hasn't already been said? Our family, like everyone else that came in contact with Tony and Denise, have many fond memories filled with fun, laughter, driveway parties, kid's birthday parties, t-ball and baseball games, and more than a few beers along the way.

There are many great times and memories we shared during the five years we spent in Eureka, but probably the one occassion that I remember the most was the annual breakfast party Tony and Denise would host. As usual whenever we would get together, everyone was invited, and we would feast on more breakfast than Denny's and Uncle Bill's could prepare combined. 

Thank you Tony and Denise for being such wonderful people and welcoming us into your home and your lives. 

While no words any of us can say could possibly bring the proper level of comfort to you, Denise, I can't help but think that while Heaven was most certainly already a wonderful place; now that Tony is there, that wonderful place will be even a little more fun. 

Faron, Kristie, Nathan, Sami Thompson Close

Tony's presence  / Denise Joyce (parents of co-worker )
On a recent trip to St. Louis, our grandson Nolan was saying his night time prayers with me --- Now I lay me down to sleep --- angels watch me through the night-- and so on.  When he was finished, I told him all the angels in heaven would watch over him and he looked at me with his big blue eyes and said, "Like Tony, Grandma?"  With watery eyes, I replied, Yes, just like Tony, sweetie!"  He then hugged me, placed his head on his pillow and snuggled his little Pooh and said good night!  Thank you, Tony! Close