Tony Frank Schifano, 69, of Muscle Shoals finally got the peace he deserved after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed at Shoals hospital with his daughter holding his hand. Visitation will be Friday, October 5, 2018 from 11-2 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home.
The memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel with Rev. David Dowdy officiating and Johnny Wagnon. Entombment will follow in Greenview Memorial Park Love Mausoleum.
In Gary, Indiana on April 2, 1949 his journey began. Around the age of 10 his family made their permanent home here in Alabama. At this time his hobbies included building model cars and torturing his sisters.
He was a graduate of Central High School and attended college at Phil Campbell. He was drafted to the Army where he served 2 years. After returning from serving in Vietnam he had an illness he battled for the rest of his life.
Moving forward with life he began working at Tennessee Valley Cigar and Candy Company. He later began his career at Bigbee Steel Buildings. There is where he became one of the top salesmen and recently retired after over 40 years.
More than just being admired, respected, and brave, he was a hero to us all. He enjoyed more than 20 years of adventures with his girlfriend Carolyn, who recently became his fiancé. He was the best father his daughter could ask for.
Her favorite childhood meal he prepared was ham sandwiches with crushed potato chips on it. Although she never once doubted his love, she did fear if he ever had to choose between her or the dog…he would choose Auzze! His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He was the first one to hold Sadie the day she was born and came to hold her every day after for months. After being surrounded by girls his whole life he was over the moon when his grandson Sam came along. He finally got a little hunting buddy that he always wanted.
There was never a time he wasn’t available to be there for his family and always gave the best advice. Tony had a passion for adventure. From his many hunting trips, cruises, cabin and family vacations he never passed up the opportunity to get away and enjoy life.
His cabin was his sanctuary and because he loved Christmas more than Santa himself he kept it decorated all year round. He loved the water whether it was in a kayak, canoe, boat, or lying on a beach chair. This man had the most giving heart and refused to be praised.
If you tried to thank him he would simply just say “okeee”. He had a brilliant sense of humor! the master of pulling off surprises and the king of pranks.
Other talents included but not limited to taking insignificant items like Christmas ornaments off of trees, random items from restaurants or even sneak something into your pocket. This is also a talent he passed on to Tiffny… He was accident prone and could trip over air. There were a few areas in need of improvement like he ate faster than you would think is humanly possible.
He was a terrifying driver with the worst road rage and would laugh hysterically if he witnessed someone trip. Many years of his life were wasted searching for items he had misplaced. We all hope to live a life worth noting and Tony did just that!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Schifano; and a brother-in-law, Roger Davis. Survivors include his fiancé Carolyn Pate; daughter Tiffny Schifano Shockley all of Muscle Shoals: his loyal and loving dog Auzee; sisters, Mary Alice Davis, Debbie Schifano, Gina Jones (Robert) all of Florence; grandchildren, Sadie and Sam; and 5 nieces and nephews. Serving as pallbearers will be Sean Schifano, Tracey Woodward, Brett Woodward, Johnny Wagnon, Doug Hayes, and Chris Shockley.
In lieu of flowers, take a moment in Tony’s honor and just enjoy what you have, the people in your life and help someone every chance you get.
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