Antonio Scordo Jr., ‘’Coach’’, age 68, began his new journey of eternal life surrounded by his children on Monday, November 3, 2008 during his short stay at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie.
Mr. Scordo was born on January 30, 1940, in Tyrone, PA, the son of the late Antonio and Sunda (Sylvester) Scordo Sr., he was the youngest of nine children.
Tony graduated from Tyrone High school in 1958, where he played football and wrestled for the Tyrone Golden Eagles. When he wrestled for the Tyrone Golden Eagles, he was a two time district champion in 1956-1957, weight class 120 Ibs. He also was a trumpet player for the Tyrone High School Band and earned his Eagle Scout. He then attended Penn State University with a wrestling scholarship and was a runner-up champion during his Penn State wrestling career from 1959–1962. He graduated in 1962 with a Bachelors degree in Science and Physical Education. Following college he served in the U.S. Army from 1962–1965. During his high school and college years he was an exceptional athlete, and in 2002 Tony was honored at Tyrone High School, being named in the Hall of Fame for wrestling.
He moved to Warren, PA in 1964 to begin his teaching career, as a health and gym teacher at Beaty Jr. High school for many years, and later at the Tidioute School before retiring in 1994. Tony also coached many different school sports, started as the assistant wrestling coach at Warren Area High and later became the head wrestling coach.
Throughout his life he had many jobs; he was the manager of the Warren Boro Swimming Pool and worked as a lifeguard at the Warren Holiday Inn. He was a supervisor for Beech Street Playground and the old ice-skating area at Beaty field. He worked with troubled youths at the JCC Camp and taught special needs children at the Chapman’s Dam summer camp. After his retirement he worked for Ekey’s floral.
Tony was an avid hunter and fishermen and enjoyed spotting dear and going camping. He enjoyed his hunting dog Sparky, his cat Buddy, spending time with his family, traveling to many different vacation spots, going to the casino with his friends, and his morning coffee group at McDonalds.
He attended Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather (pappy), friend and mentor to many. He has touched the lives of many and will be sadly missed. His family will always remember him as Ninny, and to others, he will always be remembered as Coach Scordo.
He is survived by two daughters, Sunda Scordo Burns and her husband, Kyle, Tacoma, WA and Melissa “Missy’’ Scordo Zdarko, Warren; a son, Antonio Scordo III and his wife, Holly, Olean, NY; eight grandchildren, Kyleigh and Korissa Burns, Corey Scordo, Kyler Zdarko, Casey Ball and Joseph, Ruth and Rose Scordo; two brothers, Dominick and Joe Scordo; one sister, Nancy Risoldi; many, nieces and nephews; and a special friend Gwen Young.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joanne Sessamen Scordo, whom he married on March 31, 1964, in Maryland and who died on May 23, 2006; two brothers, Sam and Jim Scordo; and three sisters, Jenny Mayes, Mary Ieraci and Josie Maisano.
Friends may call at the Peterson – Blick Funeral Home, Inc., 1003 Penn Ave. E., Warren on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008, at Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church at 10 a.m., with Monsignor John Lucas, Celebrant.
Entombment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Mausoleum of Ascension.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Penn State Club of Warren County for the Tony Scordo Memorial Book Scholarship. Payments can be sent to: Arthur Faix, Treasurer, 314 East Street, Warren PA 16365.
