Special Episode -- Anthony Varchetto - A Great Man

Today would have been the 100th birthday of my father-in-law, Anthony "Tony" Varchetto - A Great Man.  This special episode of Guided by Faith recognizes his love of life and his family.  Happy Birthday Tony!

Transcript

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In my introduction to the first season of Guided by Faith, I referenced a collection of over 50 editions of the Lakeside Classics. These iconic stories tell firsthand of the lies and accomplishments of many Americans, some known and some not. That collection was gifted to my wife Millie and I in 1998, upon the passing of her father, Anthony Varsett. Today marks what would have been Tony's 100th birthday. We miss him dearly. Although you will not read about him in any history books, like many Americans, Tony lived a fruitful life and accomplished a great deal. Tony was born in Chicago on June 1st, 1926, the second son of Anthony and Millie Varsetto. Tony and his brothers Sam and Joe were second-generation grandsons of Italian immigrants, many of whom found their way to Chicago, where they settled in what is still known today as Little Italy. Tony and his family lived near the intersection of Polk and Racine, in the shadow of downtown, and interestingly, not far from where I frequently visited Vittori's for Italian beef and Marios for Italian ice during my years at St. Ignatius College Prep, just down the street on Roosevelt Road. Both Little Italy and St. Ignatius College Prep remain in the same locations in Chicago and represent true cornerstones of that city. Tony graduated from Marshall High School in 1944. Evidence of his patriotism and dedication to cause, like many of the greatest generation, upon graduation, Tony immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. Although he was never called into combat, Tony was stationed at Coronado Island and served as a radio man in the Naval Air Force. Upon completing his service to our country, he began a 42-year career at R.R. Donnelly, the iconic printing company on Chicago's lakefront. Starting as an apprentice, he soon developed into a highly skilled photo technician. Throughout most of his career, he was responsible for retouching photographs for some of the most widely distributed catalogs and publications in America. Amongst the catalogs that he worked on were the annual issues from the historic American retailers Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Wards. Notable publications included Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated. Yes, including the swimsuit issues, which debuted in 1964. On June 1st, 1952, Tony's 26th birthday, he married Louise Nigro. This began a great life together that lasted 46 years. Tony and Louise, known affectionately as Nana, had four children, Kathy, Mary Ann, Lewis, and Millie, my wife of 42 years. In a reflection made during his retirement, Tony acknowledged that his goal in life was to get a good job, which he did, as I noted earlier, and send his children to college, which he did as well, and that all four of their children graduated from the University of Illinois. Tony and Nana had nine grandchildren who they loved dearly. Although Tony did have the opportunity to meet each of his grandchildren, unfortunately he was not granted enough time with them. Tony and Nana enjoyed their retirement in Sun City West, Arizona, joining many friends from the greatest generation, where they embraced that community fully, realizing the just reward for a life well spent. Tony was called home to the Lord on August 13th, 1998. Reflecting on Tony's life gives me a clear view into dedication to family, work, and culture. Tony clearly loved his family. His relationship with Louise was selfless, inspiring, and everlasting. Louise lived for 25 years after Tony's passing, and she forever lit up with a smile whenever we spoke of him. As I noted before, Tony essentially spent his entire career working for the same great company, doing much the same job. More importantly, he was committed to doing the job, whatever it was, the right way. Tony was an Italian American through and through. He thoroughly enjoyed Italian food, especially pizza and pasta. It was Tony who introduced me to hot peppers on spaghetti, still today an offering at most Chicago Italian restaurants. Tony liked his cars, especially Mustangs. Best recollections are that he bought several of them from 1964, its initial year, to 1973. Clearly he knew the true meaning of an American icon. It was at the side of that 1973 Mustang that I experienced my first goodnight kiss with Millie. Thank the Lord for Mustangs. Tony did not wear his faith on his sleeve. Regardless of his own faith foundation, whatever it may have been, his actions, especially the way he loved his family, and his overall persona made it clear he was a good person. More importantly, Tony was a great man. In 2024, Millie and I had the opportunity to visit the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padova, Italy. A truly special place where it is customary to lay your hand on the tomb of Saint Anthony while you pray. Without a doubt, I felt Tony's presence during that moment. Specifically, I recall the words he said to me as he gave me his daughter's hand on October 6th, 1984. This is a real lady. Treat her like that. God's grace, through Tony's message that day, has served me well, time and again. As we recognize what would have been Tony's 100th birthday, let us close with a prayer to St. Anthony. O Lord, through St. Anthony of Potova, you have made known your love and care for your people. Grant that, through his intercession, we may obtain the favors we seek and follow more faithfully the way of the gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Happy one hundredth birthday, Tony. We love you.