Always Dapper

BY BARBARA W. GROSSMAN, CHAIR, DEPARTMENT OF DRAMA AND DANCE, TUFTS UNIVERSITY
I first met Tony in 1995 when I returned to Tufts from my year as a Bunting Fellow. It didn’t take long for me to realize what a splendid colleague he was. Dedicated to his students, committed to his teaching and directing, generous with his time and energy, Tony was a delight. A walking fount of information about theatre, he seemed to have an endless source of anecdotes about the myriad people he knew, plays he’d directed, and places he’d been. I admired his ability to nurture the countless relationships he’d developed over the years. The visible pleasure he took in the accomplishments of his former students and associates was palpable.

Always dapper, even in jeans, with the ramrod straight bearing of a former military man, Tony had wit, intelligence, warmth, and an irrepressible curiosity about the world. He never seemed jaded, even when directing Romeo and Juliet for the fifth time! It was a joy to spend time with him, whether the setting was a faculty meeting or one of his favorite Cambridge haunts.

Like everyone else, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Tony’s unexpected passing, particularly on July 5. That date’s always been a happy one in my family: it’s the birthday of both my father and my son, Ben. From now on as we celebrate each year on July 5, we’ll raise a glass to Tony, too. I only wish he could be there with us to enjoy it.

To Linda and Simon, please know that you have my deepest sympathy at this difficult time. I’m thinking of you both.