 I thought some people who loved Tony would like to read his Eulogy. My sister Patty wrote and read this at Tony's service. Very courageous and loving thing to do! Thank you Patty!

If Tony were standing here today, he would tell you that the following quote by Emile Zola was to motto for how he lived his life:
 
“If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you:  I came here to live out loud.”
Anthony Salvatore Mascari was a lot of things to a lot of people. He was a beloved son, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a boyfriend and a friend to many. 
Tony spent his life searching for happiness, acceptance and fulfillment.  We know that path was long and painful and in the end tragic.  Tony wanted so much to turn his life around, his desire was strong but the struggle was great. The sadness and heartache that we feel cannot be described. There are those who might say he was lost and his life was a wasted one. I am here to tell you that it was not. God had plans for Tony and he was put on this earth for a reason. Tony loved and was loved.  He made a difference in people's lives. And in the end, isn't that what is important. Tony was a vital part of our lives and we have learned valuable lessons from him during his time with us. These are the things we want you to know about Tony.
Tony was born on April 20, 1987. 14 days later he was placed in the loving arms of his sister Marie who gently carried him to meet his new parents, Tom and Therese.  They happily brought him home to meet his new extended family. Our love for him was instant. He was a beautiful baby, dark hair and large, dark eyes. He grew into an mischievous, high spirited toddler. He was busy, bustling, the wheels in his brain always turning. He had a smile that could light up a room and an impish grin that showed the devilish thoughts racing through his mind. He was a character, a prankster. Picture after picture gave witness to his playful manner showing silly grins, funny faces and playful antics
In middle school, he found his passion. He became a wrestler. A sport he played from middle school through high school.  Wrestling served him well and his success in the sport gave him an identity and a measure of self-esteem.
Tony was smart and capable. He was gregarious and adventuresome. He developed an engaging personality, he had charisma, he was handsome and charming, He didn't know a stranger and made friends easily. He had a million dollar smile. In high school, besides wrestling, his other main interest was girls. Tony always had a girlfriend, sometimes more than one. Girls adored Tony and were drawn to him, like a moth to a flame. As we were reminiscing these last few days, Tom shared that Tony did have a way with the girls and also their mothers. The mothers loved him falling instantly for his charms, but the fathers worried that he would break their little girl's heart. 
No one enjoyed life more than Tony. He never did anything half-hearted, he was an all or nothing type of person. He was a gentle creature, kind and generous. He had a big heart and a spiritual nature. He enjoyed life and wanted to live it to the fullest. He very much appreciated the finer things in life. He loved to shop. He loved to eat. Dining with Tony was an experience. Anyone who has gone to dinner with him knows what I mean. His appetite was voracious. He developed a palate for sophisticated foods very early. I remember when he was about 4, I lived downtown in Indy and Tony came to spend the night. We had a great time exploring the city. As we walked around Monument Circle, on our way for dinner at McDonald's, Tony spotted a Chinese restaurant and excitedly said, “I want to eat there!”.  I replied, “Oh, do you like Chinese food” and he responded “I love it!” So, we went in and he ordered the most expensive shrimp dish on the menu. And he ate the entire thing! That was Tony, at age 4. 
No story about Tony would be complete without mentioning his very special bond with his father. Tom and Tony were as close as father and son can be. They were also the best of friends and as Tom will say sometimes foes. But, Tony adored Tom from an early age, mimicking his mannerisms, his dress and his sense of humor. They enjoyed many hobbies and activities together. For years they celebrated Buddy Day on Sunday, spending the day sharing the things they loved: food, antique car shows and visiting family.
My personal favorite was Office Days on Saturday. Tom would take Tony to the office and let him loose. He raced from desk to desk playing with staplers, phones, computers, anything he could get his hands on! Tony loved it, but come Monday, the office girls were not happy. Their desks were a mess and their computers didn't work. But Tony had a great time!
From Tom, Tony received an identity that he cherished his whole life: his Italian heritage. Tony loved being italian, he took great pride in his family name and was proud to say he was a Mascari. He often referred to Tom as the Godfather. 
Tom and Tony's great relationship didn't diminish the role of his mother. Therese had a difficult job. Tom was the fun one. Therese was the disciplinarian, the voice of reason to the antics of Tom and Tony. She took care of him. She was mother, nurse, teacher. Her love was fierce and protective. One of Tony's favorite past-times was teasing his mother. He really enjoyed trying to get a rise out of her. And she enjoyed giving it right back. The best thing I can say is she was his guardian, his protector and she defended him to the very end.  Shortly, after Marie was born, Therese came upon a poem that really resonated with her.  She wanted me to share this with you today. 
It is called Born in My Heart.

Not flesh of my flesh
Not Bone of my bone
But still miraculously my own.
And never forget for a minute
You were not born under by heart
You were born in it.

Marie will tell you Tony was her friend and protector. I will tell you she was his friend and protector too. She will miss Tony greatly and is sad that Lyric won't get the chance to know and remember her only uncle. 
As he got older and matured, Tony began to realize the importance of staying in touch with his family. This was apparent in his recent visits to Grandpa and Grandma Butler. These visits were greatly enjoyed and will not be forgotten.
Tony will always be remembered fondly by his younger cousins. He was the entertainment and amusement at our family gatherings. He was fun and full of energy and the kids gravitated to him naturally. They will cherish memories of fun times camping, hanging at the pool, gator rides so fast through the woods that they thought they might fall off and fireworks in the backyard. 
Anthony Salvatore Mascari was a lot of thing to a lot of people. He was a beloved son, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, nephew, cousin, a friend to many, and a boyfriend. 
We accept his trials but we choose to remember his triumphs and the good times we have shared. I will leave you with this quote Tony recently posted on his wall on Facebook, “We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery. We create our own Heaven. We create our own Hell. We are the architects of our own fate.”

I am sure that all the members of the Vinci Family share your sadness. We will remember Anthony in our prayers.
Ella Vinci

I am sure that all members of the Vinci family share your sadness. We will remember Anthony in our prayers.

To the Mascari family,
My heart and prayers are with you ,
Jeanne Tomlin

Tom and Therese, I don't know if you will remember me, I went to high school with Therese. I just heard about the loss of your son and wanted to express my sympathy to both of you.  You and all of your family will be in my prayers.

Tom, Therese and  family, 
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We just heard today. Our thoughts and prayer go out to you all. May god bless you during this difficult time.
Bob Anacker and family

Tom and Therese
We were sorry to hear of your loss of Toni.  We have prayed for you and your family and will continue to remember you.
God is our strength and loves us especially in these trying times of our lifes.  God Bless you and your family

So Sorry for your loss, tony will be sadly missed.
~Andy Cline & Beckie Hamilton
Clerk, Fayette Co Auction

Tony was such a delight in our 2004 production of "God's Favorite" at Lutheran High School.  He knew our Savior quite well and we can all be comforted by God's words from Revelation 2:10..."Be faithful unto Me and I shall give you the crown of life."  Blessings to Tony's family in this most difficult time.  Rest in God's grace knowing that Tony dances with Jesus now!

Tom and Therese,
So sorry to hear of your loss, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Sorry I wasn't at the visitation but i just found out from Ray this afternoon.  I have always thought the world of your family.  Love Deb Wilson and family

To the Mascari family we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
Andy and Jennifer Buse

i'm so sorry for your loss. Tony will be with us in our happiest memories and will always be remembered for the great times we had with him. i know that i will never forget him and all the smiles he brought me!!! love & miss you buddy!!!

To the Family of Tony, 
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son/brother. Thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Debbie Elliott 
 (Mother of Tyler Elliott, classmate and friend of Tony's)

Tom and Family,

We are so sorry for your loss of your beloved Son.  May God Grant you Peace to deal with this and know, we all are praying for you and yours.  Harold and Vicki Duffer

TOM AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss Tom & Therese. We don't really know what to say other than you are in our hearts and thoughts.
Bill & Brenda Rockafellow Loudon Tn

Therese, Tom, and Marie,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the unexpected loss of Tony. We cannot imagine the utter grief, shock and sorrow that you must be going through right now.  It is so difficult to understand tragedies like this but, thanks be to God, we can call on our faith to help us deal with them, as well as call on old friends for help too - please do not hesitate to call us for anything at anytime.  Our hearts are truly breaking for you and we are grieving with you.  I'm praying for God's comfort and blessings for you and your family. Stay strong and know that your son is with God and he is resting in peace.  

May God bless you and your wonderful family.

With love and sympathy,
Mike and Bonnie Ridenour

We met Tony when Tom sold our father's house at auction for us a couple of years ago 1317 W. Epler Ave. What a nice young man Tony was. All of our family want to send Tom his wife Therese And Sister Marie our sincerest condolences. Tony will be sorely missed by all. The family of Clovis Jones. (Sue Grace, Carol Fletcher, David Willis, Willie Jones, Robert Miller,  Ron Jones  Sherron Meyers, and Stephanie England (Jones).

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.  The Green family and michelle cline and family.

Therese,

I am so saddened by the loss of your son. My thoughts are with you and your family. May God protect you in this time.

Tom, Therese & Marie,  We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray time will ease your pain and wonderful memories will fill your hearts.  We  also pray for peace for you.

Marie, Our prayers are being said for you and your parents. God bless you all.

Can't express the sorrow we feel for you.  Truly can't imagine the hurt of lossing of a son.

Shirley Martin & Larry Gibbs

Tom and Terese,
We are so terribly heartbroken for you.  Please know that you are in our prayers.
Stan and Maureen Gordin

Tony was a warm, happy, loving person who made people around him smile and feel comfortable. My thoughts and prayers are with my family as I can't be there in person. Love, Sarah Elaine Sander

So sorry to hear of your loss.
Glen and Renee Oswalt and Family

So sorry for your loss. He was a great kid and would do anything for anyone. I will never forget the memeories that I have with Tony he will live on that way with everyone. He will never be forgotten by anyone and always loved by all. He will be watching down on each of us each and every day. My prayers are with you at this time. 
Ashley Vehling - I went to Greenwood High School with Tony.

So sorry for your loss. Tony was loved by so many its to sad to see his life end so short. He will be looking down on everyone each and every day. Everyone will cherish the memories that they have with Tony and never forget him. My prayers are with his family and friends during this time.
Ashley Vehling- Went to Greenwood High School with Tony.

Remember your love is rejoicing with Jesus.

Therese may God dry your tears and cmfort you and Thomas the family durning the unexpected loss of your beautiful son. I will continue to lift you up in prayer as you go through the journey. I love you and God Bless right now in the name of Jesus Amen
Your friend from Saks,
Carolyn Wright

Tom and Theresa you have are deepest sympathy and are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during the time of loss
Fred and Mary Margaret Farah  Indialantic, FL

Tom & Therese,
I am so sorry for your loss.  I know there are no words that can bring comfort to you at this time, I pray that memories of Tony will help ease your pain and the love of your family and friends will help you through this difficult time.

My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers.

Tom, My sympathies! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Teresa Schultz / your pal that used to be at The Indianapolis Star

To Tony's Family
I want to let you know that Dad and I are praying for your family. We will not be able to be with you in person, but please know that we are with you in spirit.  If there is anything that I can do please let me know.  
Vicki Crafton Parks and Dad (Dick Crafton)

Tony was one of a kind. As a young child he took charge and had his mind set on what he wanted and how it was going to be done. His smile was endless and he knew how to use it.    His heart was in the right place and he always wanted to help, but it had to be Tony's way and when he was done, you had to clean up "his help". He tried, and you coundn't help but love him.  It will not  be the same at family gatherings, there will be a eerie quietness that only Tony could fill.     I will miss his hugs and most of all his beautiful smile.                                                                             Rest in Peace my dear Nephew.                                Love,                                  Aunt Mary

we are so sorry for your loss and hope
that the love of your family & friends wil help you feel comforted.  We will always hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

To Tony's Family,
  We are so sorry for your loss.  My family is praying for Tony and your entire family.  Patty is our dear friend and has shared with us what a great kid Tony was.  May God bless you with the grace and mercy to find healing during this time.

Tony loved his family and he was a friend to all. We have fond memories of dancing with Tony at family wedding celebrations.He could light up your life and make everyone smile. We will always remember Tony in our hearts and in our prayers. Please accept our deepest sympathies and may God Bless the Mascari and Butler families.

We are so sorry for your loss.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Dantzer Family

To Tony's family,
I am so incredibly sorry for the unexpected loss of Tony. I went to Greenwood with him and spent some time "running around" with him our sophomore year. His smile is the thing I remember the most. I am thinking of you all and you're in my prayers!

Tony was loved by the Sander family and we will miss his smile, his good nature, his warmth towards his family, and his fun personality - Uncle Dave, Aunt Marsha, Sarah, Elizabeth, Anna and Zachary.  His mom and dad were good people; we will keep them in our prayers.

We are all so sorry to hear of your terrible loss.  Jerry and I remember the day you moved into your home in Greenwood and Tony put a nail into the wall plug and shocked himself.  He was always such a fun loving, good natured kid.  He will be missed by everyone.  Please know that your entire family is in our prayers.  God Bless. Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Jerry and families.

I am so sorry for your loss. I can"t begin to know your grief at this time, but please  know Kirk and I have you in our hearts and prayers.  God Bess your family.

OBITUARY

Anthony Salvatore Mascari

April 20, 1987 – March 30, 2011

Little & Sons Funeral Home

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