Tony Basolo III was born on February 26, 1940 in McAlester, Oklahoma to Tony and Dorothy Basolo. He joined his Savior in heaven on Wednesday January 9, 2019. After growing up in McAlester, he attended Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in addition to serving in the US Army and Army Reserve.
Tony married Judy Blanks in 1960 and they enjoyed 58 wonderful, happy years of marriage. Early in his professional career, Tony served on the Nichols Hills Police Department for many years and was their first Detective Lieutenant. In 1972, he joined Dolese Bros.
Co. His career with the company started as Director of Employee Relations and Safety. In 2001, he became President and CEO and held that position until his retirement in 2010. During his 38 years of service at Dolese, he held several leadership positions at the local, state and national levels including National Stone Association Chairman.
He also served on the NSA Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Tony loved his job, but he absolutely cherished his relationships with family, friends and God. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and continued a lifelong commitment of faithfully serving Him.
Tony was a member of The Village Baptist Church since 1965 and his leadership activities extended to the church as he served as a deacon for many years. Tony and Judy were also the Directors of Young Married Adult bible studies. Tony was preceded in death by his parents,and his sister, Loyce Ann Hoyt.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Katy Baker and her husband, Todd of Colorado Springs; two granddaughters who lovingly called him “Poppy” – Jessica Thompson and her husband, Mark and their son, Mason of Bethany, Oklahoma; Raeghan Dessel and her husband, Connor of Durango, Colorado; sister, Nancy Scherman and her husband, Allen of McAlester, Oklahoma; sister, Joella Ford of Owasso, Oklahoma; many nieces, nephews and their children as well as many dear friends whom he loved. The family offers a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people at Heritage Point of Oklahoma City who cared for Tony in his final days. A special thank you also to Tammy Key, his loving caregiver for the last 18 months.
Tammy has been the family’s “AID” (Angel in Disguise) as she has made this transition much easier with her amazing faith in God and her compassion. Visitation will be held at Smith & Kernke N. May from 4-6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at The Village Baptist Church, 10600 N May Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.
alz.org or to The Village Baptist Church.
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