Anthony P. Bosco Jr.

[ Originally published on: Saturday, September 26, 2009 ]

ORANGE -- Anthony ''Tony'' P. Bosco Jr., 55, of 30 Cheney St., died unexpectedly late Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 23, at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Healthcare- campus, Worcester, after being stricken ill earlier in the afternoon.

Born on Nov. 22, 1953 in Athol, he was a son of Anthony P. Sr. and Stella (Kaczmarczyk) Bosco and grew up in Orange, graduating from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School.

Following high school, Tony graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with his master's degree. While at UMass, Tony was a drum major and worked part-time as a security guard.

Tony loved the Orange Elementary Band, teaching the children for 34 years for Orange elementary schools. He was enthusiastic with the arrival every year of spring so he could get the band out and practice for Memorial Day parades. Early in his career, his mother, Stella, would assist him with the band.

Tony was a dedicated and conscientious person in every aspect of his life and was an exceptional and natural musician. He enjoyed teaching children instruments after school, and was skillful in playing the piano and cello, but his favorite was the tuba.

Tony's rich life of music led him to be conductor of the Orange Community Band for a number of years, playing with the Pioneer Valley Brass Epic since 1974, both the Petersham and Northampton bands as well as numerous other bands.

He was instrumental in organizing the Franklin County Elementary Music Festivals at Greenfield High School for many years, representing 35 schools, grades 4 to 6, in music and chorus.

He enjoyed time with his mother and family. His favorite holiday was Christmas and he would decorate his home with four Christmas trees and many nutcrackers. Not just limited to Christmas, his home was always decorated for the current holiday and there was always candy for the children who came to take music lessons.

Tony was a member of St. Mary's Church in Orange, as well as its choir. He also served in the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include a brother, Charles Bosco of Pennsylvania; nephews, Todd Bosco and his wife Wendy and Jason Bosco, all of New Jersey; a niece, Amber Bosco of Pennsylvania; grandnephews, Peyton and Dawson Bosco of New Jersey; many cousins, close friends and co-workers.

Tony was predeceased by his father in 1961 and his mother in 1999.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main St.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning, Sept. 30, at 10 at St. Mary's Church, 19 Congress St., with the Rev. Fr. William Lunney officiating. Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to St. Mary's Church, 19 Congress St., or to the Orange Elementary Instrumental Band, c/o Butterfield School, 94 South Main St., both in Orange, MA 01364.

Guest book and directions are available online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.

 

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