My favorite memory of Tony:

I hadn't registered as volunteer for the 2006 NYC Regional, because my schedule had been unpredictable. When I walked in to Riverbank on Saturday, the folks at the volunteer desk didn't know what to do with me. They radio-ed for Tony, and as soon as he walked into the room, he gave me a big hug.

He told the volunteer staff that of course there was a spot for me. I remember just being surprised he knew my name. He checked on me throughout the day, he even came over to eat lunch with me.

I remember thinking he was the sweetest, calmest, most organized volunteer coordinator I'd ever met. And he was the warmest, friendliest man I felt privileged to know.

I will I will miss hearing your voice on our conference calls, Tony. I will miss you taking photographs on your Segway, and most of all, I will miss your smiles and your hugs.

Sara Reffler
FIRST Alumn and Senior Mentor