Anthony R. Lush

Anthony Ralph Lush was born on February 14, 1924. He was born and raised in New Brighton, PA the son of an Italian immigrant, John Lush, and an Italian American mother Marie. My grandfather fought in WWI to gain citizenship in America (in fact both of my grandfathers did). My grandfather worked in the steel mills in Pittsburgh, and picked up side jobs to make ends meet, they worked hard and were very proud.

Daddy was a point guard on the New Brighton High School basketball team and due to his agility, speed and high scoring, “Push'em up Tony” quickly became a household name in the community. He was constantly in the paper, he had his scrap book to look back and relive his glory days. He always loved playing basketball. We had a hoop and a half court growing up. It was so wonderful to get to play with dad.

Sargent Anthony Lush served in WWII. His tour was for three years. Daddy was very proud of his service. He only spoke to me in detail once about the war, and after that conversation I learned how life changing that experience was for him. How could it not be?

My parents got married in Beaver Falls, PA and moved to Las Vegas in 1957 after my Uncle Michael Nagro came out for a photography job. The story goes that Mike called my parents saying “you have to come”…lots of jobs and great weather! It wasn’t long before Mom and Dad were driving cross country on Route 66 with the top down, hair flying, footloose, happy and free, looking forward to a bright new future in the Las Vegas Valley. Not long after, they brought their parents out west as well. And eventually Ralph and I came along.

Both of my parents worked at First National Bank when they moved to the valley. Back then gambling was off limits to bank employees. Local casinos really didn’t exist. But my parents enjoyed the lounge shows and dinners on the strip. Eventually Dad moved on to the casino business. He worked in the credit department, cashier cage and count room. Tony worked at the famous El Rancho, the T-Bird, the Stardust, the Bonanza and MGM Hotels. Tony and Mary opened several “Mr. Fish and Chips” restaurants, two in Las Vegas, one in Hawaii and one in Costa Mesa, California. The most famous was on Tropicana and Maryland Parkway, a successful endeavor; people would be lined up around the corner on Friday evenings, to get the famous Fish and Chips! Tony was also involved in real-estate investment in the Las Vegas Valley. He retired at 55 years old. Life was good in Las Vegas.

My Dad always kept his Marine ethic. He would wake me before school with a glass of orange juice and we would go out for a run. His workout ethic was his daily routine right up to the end of his beautiful life.

Dad was an avid golfer, yes he gave me lessons and I continue to try. Drive for show, putt for dough! Dad was golfing right up to his last trip to the desert with Olga’s family at Thanksgiving. Dad also loved tennis, we played on leagues at the country club and as a family. He passed that love on to me as well. Mom played mostly so we could be together, she was a trouper. They were married for almost 60 years when my mother passed. Dad took good care of her, he loved her dearly.

My Father has taught me how to persevere, how life is more than one journey. At 80 years old my Father met the second love of his life Olga Pollaci. At first I couldn’t believe he would even date. Mostly I was still missing my Mom. But I could see how full of life and love Dad and Olga were and how lucky to have found each other. My Mother’s best friends, my aunties, said that my mother is an angel in heaven and she sent Olga to us. I have watched this amazing age defying couple, travel, dance, love, in this very special journey. Our lives are constantly changing and hopefully we are evolving. I can’t help but think that growing up post WWI, and fighting for our country created what we now call the greatest generation. I’m a lucky lady to have had my Father for as long as I did, and to have gained another Mother, and her amazing loving family as well. He loved all of you so much. You brought so much joy to my Dad’s life, and to our lives as well.

We started calling Daddy “Tony 3.0”; yes hopefully we keep improving as we progress in life. At least that’s the goal. And Dad did evolve, and become more engaged. The past two years we had some really wonderful times together, great talks filled with love and advice. I’m grateful that my Dad was able to be there for Bruce and I and the kids. It was precious time and we all knew it.

My Father never said “I love you” out loud, I knew he loved me certainly but he never said it…and then that all changed thanks to Olga. Every time he told me he loved me I was a little surprised and so happy. Thanks Dad! And Thank you Olga.

My Dad had amassed this wonderful blended family that included 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. How wonderful for all of us to get to spend time with someone who has been around for nearly a century! I had a very special relationship with my Father, sometimes we both got a little feisty but we really enjoyed being together. Tony 3.0 was very involved in our lives. He loved spending time with Bruce, the kids and the grandchildren. He loved you all deeply. Isaac, Grandpa Tony was and always will be proud of you honey.

My dad fought his last battle gallantly 42 days from the first stroke until he went to heaven. It was life changing for all of us. Dad continued to stroke and continued to fight; he had many underlying issues but he fought back showing all of us what it means to be a warrior. But even Iron Man has his limits and is resting with the angels now.

Great thanks to my family, extended family and friends for being there for my Dad and for me. It’s hard to believe he is really gone as he was such a strong man, it didn’t really seem like he would be 94 years old 12 days from when he went to heaven.

God Bless