Mr. Angel Antonio "Tony" Irizarry

UTICA - Mr. Angel Antonio “Tony” Irizarry, age 64, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on March 1, 1960, Angel was the son of the late Nicolas and Leonor (Gerena) Irizarry. As an infant, he, along with his parents and siblings, relocated to Utica, where they have since resided. Tony was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1978. After graduation, Tony entered the workforce and received training as an air traffic controller with Air Wisconsin in Appleton, WI, where they made many stops including, Toledo, Chicago, Denver, Hartford, and later Syracuse. He was eventually brought back to Syracuse, where he worked as a ticket agent. His coworkers affectionately referred to him as “Rican.” More recently, Tony was employed at the Turning Stone Resort Casino as a blackjack dealer, where he worked until his illness. Tony's life was defined by the deep love he had for his family. He held his parents in the highest regard and always carried the memory of his beautiful mother close to his heart. Tony loved taking trips, especially with his mom, and particularly enjoyed their excursion to Europe. One of his most cherished memories was flying aboard the Concorde. His career in the travel industry allowed him to visit numerous cities and experience various cultures. He was always on the move and made many long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world. He had a close and loving relationship with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. To him, they were all his "babies," and he cherished every opportunity to celebrate them. Tony found excitement in the casino environment, which made his time there even more fitting. He loved salsa music and was a regular on the dance floor whenever it was played. He was known to be quite a shopper as well. Tony also held a passion for the Star Wars films, especially Baby Yoda. Tony was a communicant of Historic Old St. John’s Church. He loved the weekly lunch gatherings he was able to have with the late Father John Flanagan, and his friend, Frankito. Everyone will remember being greeted by Tony with a friendly “Hey dude” whenever they saw him. Tony is survived by his beloved sisters, Miriam Irizarry-Avelar and her husband, Elliot, Hilda Santiago (the late Danny Santiago), Norma and Osvaldo Gonzalez, and Delia Peña (the late Juan Peña); and brother, Nicolas Irizarry, Jr. He fondly remembered his sister and infant brother who preceded him, Linda M. Irizarry-Kimball, and Carlito Irizarry. He leaves to cherish his memory his brother-in-law, Miguel Rivera; nieces and nephews, Adrian Rivera (who was also his godson); Daniel A. Santiago, Sr. and Dora Colon, Arnaldo R. Santiago (who was also his godson), Nicolas and Patti-Anne Santiago; Krystal and Joseph Barry, Joshua and Ashley Peña, Nicole Peña and Daniel Zoeckler; Lynn Ann Irizarry, and Mark Anthony Irizarry; 18 great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins, especially Mina Irizarry; and numerous friends, especially Kyle, Lynn, Frankito, and Erin. He was predeceased by his nephew, Christopher Rivera (who was also his godson); and his canine companions, Theo, and Baby Flash. The Irizarry family would like to extend their gratitude to the Waterville Residential Care Center for their care and compassion, especially the Activities Department, and caregiver Michelle for her dedication. Thank you as well to the staff of Hamilton Dialysis for their professionalism. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Angel’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleeker St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. By family request please omit floral offerings. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mr. Angel Antonio "Tony" Irizarry

March 1, 1960 - January 31, 2025