Tony had such a great personality that it was infectious. Tony interviewed me at Credit Suisse over the phone. I hadn't met him till I joined weeks later. He stopped by at my desk and said. "So you have joined at last... I did not know that we were hiring such handsome face." True to his jovial spirit and friendly nature.

Amazing persona and a more amazing individual. Will miss him very much.

Karthik Ramachandran
Credit Suisse

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To Janet and the children, please know that Tony is a Hero to so many who he has touched......

As I recall the many places and events in which Tony & I were together, it seems that each one brings a happy thought. I'm quite sure that wherever our dear friend has landed since leaving our world.... that place is a much happier one for having Tony there.

For Karin and myself, Tony has always been the hallmark of spirit and enthusiasm. We only really knew him through our ties to FIRST. Karin and Tony stood side by side at many a NJ Regional as fellow referees. I was blessed to have him as a friend, a constant source of inspiration and true caring leadership. Tony simply had no clue of the meaning of the word.......obstacle. He met every challenge with a smile and was able to get the rest of us to laugh as we followed him through the gauntlet.

Could there possibly be a hint of good news as we reflect on Tony and FIRST ???? Being ever optimistic, Tony would expect us to look for such ideas. So here goes............to start with, we have been blessed to know Tony and are fortunate to have had his example to follow as we go forward. Next, we can imagine that if there is such a place where the afterlife celebrates the best ideals of FIRST from our world, think of the wonderful addition to the "bench" that has been made there, by adding Tony to the Volunteer Staff. Somehow , I'm sure his type of Spirit will find a place on such a team.

Sure we will all miss Tony, but that sting is tempered by his many hugs and happy laughter that we will remember him by the most.

Paul & Karin Kloberg
Friends of FIRST