A resident of Vista Mesa Assisted Living in Cortez, Colorado, Anthony "Tony" Ferdinando passed away April 7, 2016. He was 94 years old and was a lifelong resident of Durango, Colorado. Tony was born on St. Anthony's Day, January 16, 1922, on the Florida Mesa in an area known as Little Italy. His father, Oriste Ferdinando, settled in that area when he emigrated from Italy in 1918. Tony's mother, Giovanna "Jenny" Frasca met Oriste shortly after arriving from Italy and they soon married and had 3 sons Willie, Herman and Tony. The boys attended the Thompson School, a one room schoolhouse, though the 8th grade and Tony earned his GED at a later time.

Tony had his first daughter Shirley Ann with first wife Tribly Wilson. They divorced and Tony married Irene Waddell in January, 1944. Later that year Tony was drafted to serve in World War II. HE was a tail- gunner with the 392nd Bomb Group known as the Crusaders. He flew in 36 missions over Germany and France, logging 229 flying hours before being honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was awarded the Air Medal six times and the Bronze Star three times.

After his discharge, Tony returned home to Irene and their new baby girl, Ann Tonia. Four years later, they had as son, Gary Lee.

Tony worked as shop foreman for the Chevrolet dealership in Durango before partnering in an auto repair shop. In the 1960s he was hired by Fort Lewis College, where he became automotive shop foreman and he supervised equipment maintenance and repairs from 1966 until he retired in 1977. During this time, he also taught several automotive repair classes at the college.

Other projects that Tony did in his spare time was he organized and built the Huck Finn Fishing Pond , he worked as a wildlife adviser for the Bureau of Land Management where he helped secure donations of land that created the Perkins Peak Wildlife Area, he also arranged for the purchase of the property around Lake Nighthorse. In addition, he served as a deputy posse member under five different sheriffs, and trained the police officers and rangers in shooting at the VFW Junior Rifle Club for 22 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a big game hunting guide.

When the La Plata County Courthouse was expanded in the late 1980s, the Clock and Bell Tower Committee was surprised to find a master clock smith by the name of Tony Ferdinando living in Durango. Tony, a top clock man, donated his time and expertise to repair and restore and install the bell and Seth Thomas clock in the new courthouse tower at no charge to the County. Tony's clock hobby was to repair and make a lot of clocks for friends, friends of friends, and family. Tony was named Citizens of the Year at the annual Animas Valley Grange award dinner in April of 1989 at the Grange Hall.

Tony is survived by his children Shirley Ann (Billie) Moates of Cantonment , Florida; Ann Tonia (Tom) Hankins of Scottsdale, Arizona; Gary (Phyllis) Ferdinando of Cortez, Colorado; two grandchildren Chad (Rebekah) Hankins of Sammamish, Washington and Kimberly (Ron) Zitek; and two great grandchildren Erika Thorlton and Cole Thorlton of Gilbert, Arizona. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Willie and Herman.

The Family has chosen to have a service at a later date when his ashes will be buried at Greenmount Cemetery in Durango, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Durango, Colorado.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Apr. 13, 2016.