Anthony Joseph Zespy

Anthony J. Zespy, resident of Tucson, AZ passed away Thursday, December 20, 2018. Anthony is survived by his sons Dan (Kelli) Zespy and Greg (Erin) Zespy and daughter Eleonore Thome (Don) with grandson Brenner and grandaughter Raleigh (Seth). Anthony is celebrating in heaven with his first wife, Mary, 2nd wife Loretta, daughter Ann as well as many other cherished members of his family and friends.

Anthony, aka "Tony Baloney", was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota right before the Great Depression. As the middle child of a family of 9 children, Tony and his family worked hard to help put food on the table and foster a loving environment.

He was introduced to his first wife, Mary, by a mutual friend at a card game and he was instantly smitten. After a short courtship, Mary was diagnosed with Tuberculosis, and Tony traveled every weekend to visit her in the Sanitarium across the border in Winnipeg, Canada. Mary was a Canadian citizen and Tony's visits became so common, the border guards would wave him right through. As Mary's health improved, Tony's love for her grew and he eventually proposed to her at her bedside. They had a wonderful marriage and four children. Mary passed away unexpectedly after only 8 years, leaving Tony as a single father of four young children, all below the ages of 7.

Tony turned again to family to help foster a loving environment for his children while he was mourning, so his family temporarily took the kids in while he prepared for his new life without Mary. Tony placed an ad in the Grand Forks Herald for a caretaker to help with his four kids while he went back to work. Loretta, who recently returned to Grand Forks, ND from back East, answered the call and quickly became an essential part of the Zespy family. So much so, Tony asked for her hand in marriage and "Retta" became an important part of the Zespy legacy and filled the family with love and light. Retta passed away in 1991 after battling cancer.

One of his first jobs was at Western Union where he delivered telegrams on a bicycle in the cold of North Dakota. Delivering news and information seemed to be in in his blood and he later became a full time Postal worker for the US Postal service until his retirement in 1970. He filled the remainder of his working years with odd jobs including flower delivery from Gen's Flowers, flocking and selling Christmas trees for the Boy Scouts, pouring concrete, painting houses and finally crossing guard for the little ones. He liked to keep himself busy and enjoyed interacting with everyone.

However, Tony wasn't all work and no play. Tony was a HUGE Minnesota Viking Fan, loved fishing in any water hole (large or small), gardening, smart talk, the occasional beer and small game hunting. Retta and Tony enjoyed playing bingo at various venues and as his finesse with the sport grew, Las Vegas became a regular destination! Their first stay at the Lucerne Hotel was a trip to remember! They caught a show of Jose Feliciano and Karen Carpenter - a great memory!

They eventually relocated to Tucson, AZ after a several year stay in Las Cruces, NM and Hobbs NM. Retta and Tony enjoyed the remainder of their years in Tucson. Tony remained close to family and active until very recently. He actually drove until the age of 95, and yes, he passed a driving test! :)

When you think of Tony, think of his broad smile, his unending witty sayings (which will be repeated endlessly by his friends and family) his admiration of the Vikings and his unwavering love of his family and friends. We Miss you Tony...

Dan and I will be having a celebration for Tony in late January or February at our home. No need to send flowers, your presence (if possible) at the celebration will be most wonderful and Tony stories will be a must! Please reach out and we will give details as they develop.