Anthony Michael Tortomase

Visitation will be 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, AL, immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 2:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, AL. Pastor Rev. Thomas M. Kelly will officiate.

Anthony was born on January 20, 1935 to grocery store owners Lena and Bob Tortomasi. He grew up in Ensley, AL with his two younger brothers, Chuck and Michael, and attended St. Anthony's Parochial School before graduating from John Carroll with a diploma and an anchor in faith in 1953.

Anthony attended Howard College (now Samford University) and earned a BS Degree in Accounting and a Minor in Business Administration in 1957. He married Jean Ceravolo in 1957 and they have two children, Michael and Lea Ann. After graduation, he was employed by Hayes Corp. until 1962 when he went to work in the family grocery store.

In 1967, Anthony decided to leave the family business and return to school. He moved his family to Tuscaloosa, AL and enrolled at the University of Alabama. He received his MA Guidance and Counseling Degree in 1969. After returning to Birmingham, AL area, he became a school counselor for the Opportunity Center School (OCS). In 1972, he returned to Alabama to receive his AA Teacher Certification in Special Education and in 1974 received his AO1 Superintendent/Principal Endorsement. He served as OCS principal from 1972-1978.

Anthony later went to work for the Birmingham City Schools as Coordinator of Transportation for Special Education, and retired from there in 1999.

In 1997, Anthony received the first of his three guide dogs, Seymour, Nick, and Reese.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was predeceased by one brother, Michael A. Tortomasi. Survivors include Anthony's loving wife of 60 years, Jean Tortomase; one son, Michael J. Tortomase (Peggy); one daughter, Lea Ann Watts (Richard); five grandchildren, Elizabeth Tortomase Kruse (Lubin), Anthony Tortomase II, Angela Tortomase, Matthew Watts, and Jonathan Watts (Whitney); two great-grandchildren, Lena Kruse and Landri Kruse; one brother, Chuck Tortomasi (Fran); and sister-in-law, Rita Tortomasi Greene.

The family expresses their deep appreciation for the caregivers who selflessly helped Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, 371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787. On your check or other payment method, please specify that your gift is in memory of Anthony M. Tortomase.