Anthony “Tony” William Scinto

Anthony “Tony” William Scinto, 76, was born in Bridgeport, CT on August 19, 1947 to Anthony Scinto and Anna (DeRosa) Scinto.

Anthony’s disciplined work ethic revealed itself very early in his life. By the age of twelve he was playing piano in local pubs, and while in high school and college he worked along side his father on construction sites and in shipyards of Bridgeport. He attended Bridgeport University prior to the Philadelphia School of Music, where he was classically trained in piano and voice and achieved a Masters in music and education. His first job as a teacher was at Bridgeport High School, followed by Old Saybrook High School where he taught music and coached football and baseball. There, he was awarded Teacher of the Year.

After his daughter, Sabrina, was born he changed careers. He spent 20+ years in the transportation and logistics industry in Connecticut, Montana and Kansas City. Later he started his own business as a transportation/logistics consultant.

Throughout his life, Anthony expressed his endless creativity. He acted on stage; played piano with orchestras and bands; authored three books, published poetry; designed, built, and remodeled homes and loved to garden. Anthony was a true Renaissance man.

In 2001, he met Pamela Yax Durwood …. on his birthday at a grocery store! From the beginning she chose to call him Anthony, endearingly. To everyone else he was Tony.
In 2002 they were married in County Sligo, Ireland. They traveled, lived on Block Island RI, Hadlyme, CT, Osprey, FL and returned to Kansas in 2019.
They both enjoyed remodeling and decorating homes, landscaping and gardening together.

While in Florida at the age of 69, Anthony volunteered to teach music at an alternative learning school, Prew Academy in Sarasota. There he formed a choral group and later was asked to teach full time. He found that his teaching experience at Prew was the highlight and delight of his professional career; he was a born teacher. He loved and respected and loved his students and fellow teachers.

Anthony’s colleagues at Prew posted this about him. “In loving memory of Mr. Anthony Scinto, who brought the joy of music and the wisdom of history to countless students. His great sense of humor brightened our classrooms and hearts, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and learning that will forever echo in our memories.”

During Covid, Anthony joined Garda World Security Services and enjoyed the special friendships he made there until the end of his life.

Anthony’s authenticity touched so many people: family, friends, his colleagues and students, acquaintances and strangers with his kindness, intelligence and his inimitable humor. His mantra in life was,“Be a better man today than you were yesterday.” He fulfilled that goal poignantly.

He was predeceased by his parents and only sibling, Lucille Scinto Morton. He leaves his beloved children, Sabrina Scinto of New Haven, CT. and Corey Scinto of Kansas City, MO. He leaves his wife, soulmate and best friend of 21 years, Pamela Yax Scinto of Overland Park, KS. Together with family and friends they will mourn his absence and cherish his larger-than-life memory.

It must be mentioned here of Anthony’s other loves, Rufus and Wilbur. The Goldendoodles that brought such love and laughter to him. Rufus surprised Anthony with how much Rufus stole his heart. Sadly, Rufus died too young. Then came Wilbur, an oversized mischievous ball of fur. They bonded immediately. Anthony spoiled Wilbur unashamedly. While Anthony was at home those last few months, Wilbur rarely left Anthony’s side, making sure he had at least one reassuring paw touching him. Pamela and Wilbur were with their beloved Anthony when he passed.

In memory of Anthony, the family requests donations to his cherished Prew Academy.
5020 Fielding Lane
Sarasota, FL. 34233
Attention:
Principal Mary Eisenbise

A Celebration of Anthony’s Life will be announced later.