Tony C. Marone

Age 84 of Livonia. Passed away on December 9, 2017. Beloved husband of the late Dolores for 53 wonderful years. Loving father of Mark Marone and the late Marian Marone. Dear brother of Rosie, Marie, and the late Millie. Tony proudly served his country in the army during the Korean War. He was a master carpenter and an even better father. Funeral services will take place Thursday at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd. (N. of 6 Mile), Livonia. Instate 9am, Mass 10am. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

THE EULOGY OF TONY MARONE

By his son Mark

In my case there wasn’t much question from the outset as to who would be my hero.  On the frigid morning of January 25, 1960 my mother, who thought she was due to give birth in 3 weeks, suddenly went into labor.  Out I popped in that tiny bathroom at 4820 Philip in Detroit.  I mischievously managed to get the umbilical cord wrapped around my neck.  I stopped breathing and my chubby face turned blue.  Fortunately my dad remained calm, unwrapping and then cutting the cord and swatting my bottom for one of the few times.  The 27 year old carpenter delivered a baby.  His grace under pressure saved my life in the first moments of it.

My dad was born into a family of Italian immigrants, the youngest child of Achille and Pasquelina Marone.  He had 3 older sisters, Millie and Rosie, who were born in Italy, and Marie who like him was born in Detroit.  He was originally given the first name Crescenzio, but changed it after others had difficulty pronouncing it.  So he become Tony Marone.

He met my mother Dolores in the early 50’s and they married in 1953 just before he was drafted into the Army.  He was serving in Germany when my sister Marian was born in 1954.  He returned home in 1955 and returned to work at a lumber yard.  As mentioned, I arrived dramatically in 1960, and the family unit was set.  We had happy years in Detroit and Livonia until fates changed.

After Marian died in 1976, neither of my parents ever really recovered emotionally.  My mother’s health declined not long afterward, and she eventually developed Parkinson ’s Disease.  My father’s rock solid support kept her going for many years.

There was no one more stoic or dedicated than my dad.  He very seldom missed work and was greatly respected by everyone he worked with for his effort and ability.  He tackled work around the house in the same vigorous manner.

People loved my dad.  Though he was physically imposing he had a sweetness that drew people to him.  My mother said he could have been a Mafia enforcer if only he wasn’t so darn nice.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and a silly high pitched laugh.  Later in life he learned to play the “cute old man card” with great success.

Though remarkably strong most of his life, eventually his health declined.  In an 18 month span beginning in 2005, he had a stroke, a heart attack, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and my mother died.  He bounced back from the physical ailments but later needed hip and knee replacements.  Then there was A-Fib and Congestive Heart Failure.  His most insidious malady was macular degeneration which ruined his vision and cost him the ability to drive.

Yet he always kept a sunny disposition.  He made a conscious effort to be happy, even in the worst of times.  It’s an example I’m trying to follow now.

Recent years have been very trying, especially this year.  Dad worried about being a burden, but I never considered him one.  His wisdom, humor and kindness made him a pleasure to be around.

You are fortunate if your hero is your dad.  I’ve had a very fortunate life.  Good bye, Dad.  I love you.

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