Anthony "Tony" Steven Sgarlata

Anthony “Tony” Steven Sgarlata passed away peacefully on Thursday, eleven days shy of his 82nd birthday. Born and raised in Solvay, he was the beloved son of the late Sam and Stella Sgarlata. He graduated from Solvay High School in 1960 and went on to build a remarkable career and life rooted in dedication, service, and love.

Tony began his professional journey with the Town of Geddes, spent a decade at General Electric, and retired in 2002 as the Human Resource Manager after thirty impactful years with New Venture Gear (Chrysler Corp). In 1988, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Empire State College, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of learning and growth.

An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Tony also served on the boards of Jobs Plus, MACNY, ENABLE (now Access CNY), and the NAACP. During his years in Camillus in the 1970s and 1980s, he was deeply involved in the Jaycees (JC’s) and was recognized as an Outstanding Young Man in America by the organization in 1973. Tony’s passion for civic engagement extended to politics, where he chaired several campaigns in the Town of Camillus.

Tony’s interests were as diverse as his accomplishments. He loved following the political landscape, canoeing and hiking in the Adirondack Mountains, and doting on his cherished grandchildren. A voracious reader, he also enjoyed unwinding with his signature afternoon martini, often quipping, “It has to be 5 o’clock somewhere.”

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, the former Kay Benedict; son, Tony Jr. (Brian) of Raleigh, NC; daughter, Kim Donadio of Onondaga Hill; youngest son, Jeffery (Marianne) of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Robert (Olivia) Donadio III, Gabriella (Ethan Gromley) Donadio; brother, Robert (Carol); aunt, Norma Sgarlata; and several nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

To celebrate Tony’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, December 26, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the Mass.

Tony will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, DeWitt. 

Contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to Meals on Wheels of Syracuse, 300 Burt Street, Syracuse, New York 13202.