William Anthony Tolany

William Anthony Tolany, Jr. completed everything he needed to on May 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bridget O’Connor Tolany, four children, eight grandchildren, one sister, and one beloved dog whose DNA test results, according to Mr. Tolany, understated the actual percentage of German Shepherd.

Bill grew up in Yonkers, NY and was a proud graduate of Gorton High School and a starting pitcher on the 1964 city champs. Bill lived in many cities, but after the Dr Pepper company moved him to Dallas in 1980, he was finally home. His accomplishments at Dr Pepper were numerous, but he was perhaps most proud of producing the company’s television commercials, including one where he claimed to have put the director Michael Bay in his place. Bill was instantly recognized in his favorite hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores throughout the world, and there was no ticket to a concert, show, or sporting event he could not procure.

Bill mastered the side hustle generations before it became fashionable. He was a teaching tennis pro, lifeguard, butcher, youth soccer referee, newsletter publisher, shoe salesman, and drove vehicles for a car dealership. Most notably, Bill was the longtime Public Address announcer for the Dallas Sidekicks indoor soccer team, and he had the championship ring to prove it.

In retirement, Bill worked relentlessly as the president of the Gorton High School Alumni Association. He also loved playing golf. While he once shot his age at 71, he was more interested in talking about and with his grandkids. He was always at their service to be a chauffeur, mentor, and concierge. That legacy continues, as he has bequeathed to them his love of games, music, and sense of humor. Bill was one-of-a-kind and will be missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Tolany family.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in William Anthony Tolany, Jr.'s name to the Archangel Animal Network:

via PayPal - paypal.me/ArchangelAnimalNtwk

via Venmo - @archangelanimalnetwork

via Check - Archangel Animal Network. 2047 Crowbridge Drive, Frisco, TX 75033

via Facebook - click the "Donate" button at the top of the Archangel Animal Network's page. Please send a message to Archangel Animal Network so your donation can be acknowledged.

via Donation link below the obituary - Krodle Memorial Foundation