OXFORD – Anthony M. (Tony) Paino, 89, of Oxford, peacefully passed away at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, on Sunday, April 8, 2012, following a brief illness.
He was born on Sept. 28, 1922 in Oxford, the son of Angelo and Grace (Furnare) Paino. On April 22, 1946 in St. Joseph’s Church, Oxford he married Rose Caruso, who passed away on April 6, 2002.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Joan (VanSlooten) Paino of Greene; his daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Charles Basinait of Fort Myers, Fla.; his grandchildren, Kevin Paino of Greene, Brian Paino and fiancé Balpreet Thiara of San Diego, Calif., Marci and Jesse Drollette of Playa Delrey, Calif., Nicole Basinait of Atlanta, Ga., Megan Basinait of Fort Myers, Fla. and Erin Basinait of Fort Myers, Fla. Also surviving is his special friend and companion, Barbara Black of Norwich. In addition to his parents and wife, Tony was predeceased by his sister and her husband, Grace and Dave Jowdy. A special niece and nephew, Christine Jowdy Jones and Dave Jowdy, Jr. and their families also survive.
A 1940 graduate of Oxford Academy and Central School, Tony went on to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving a Purple Heart, three Bronze Battle Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return to Oxford, he spent his career at the National Bank of Oxford, serving many years as its president, prior to the bank’s merger with NBT Bank. As an honorary director of NBT Bank, Tony continued his interest in banking with his periodic attendance at board meetings. Active in the community, he served as mayor from 1959 to 1961, served on the Oxford Industrial Development Corporation Board, was a member of the Oxford Rotary Club, where he served as club president and was a Paul Harris Fellow. His love for golf was evident in his longtime membership as Bluestone Golf Course in Oxford, and his regaled three holes-in-one! A Life Member of Fort Hill Post #376 American Legion, he seldom missed a Sunday breakfast. Lastly, he was an active member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Oxford.
Tony’s love for socialization was evident in his regular morning attendance at Mr. Chubb’s, the Monday night soup kitchen, St. Joseph’s fish fries, and other various church dinners. His quick wit and ability to talk to absolutely anyone were possibly his most endearing traits, and will be sorely missed.
The family wants to thank two groups in particular. Thanks to “the guys” in the Monday morning golf group who embraced our dad and included him in their golfing ventures. He enjoyed these outings more than you know. And a huge thank you to Dr. Davis and the staff of Maple Cottage at the NYS Vets’ Home for their guidance, your support and your shoulders as you accompanied us on the final road of our father’s journey.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church, State Street, Oxford. Burial with full military honors will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Taste and See Soup Kitchen, c/o St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Main St., Oxford or Fort Hill Post #376, American Legion, PO Box 217, Oxford, NY.