I worked with Tony many years ago. We had a special bond that took us from essentially being strangers, to one of a working relationship, to one more like a mentor and student, then onto one as lifelong friends. Some may not realize that we were family too. I thought i would share some memories & explain how I feel about a very special person.
The first time I heard of a man named Tony Iervolino I was about five or six years old. My mother told me about a cousin she had who was a master Carpenter. She told me he developed his passion for working with his hands from a very young age, and eventually worked his way up to having his own business. As I was always interested in woodworking, and anything related to tools in general, the thought of meeting a real, true, master carpenter intrigued me. The first time I can remember meeting Tony was when I was about eight years old. He came over to our house one night for some reason I don't recall. I knew who he was, and that he was the Carpenter I had always heard about. I was in awe when he pulled up in his beautiful, and enormous, Lincoln. When he arrived, I rushed to go get a wooden box that I had made out of some scrap wood, with a cool cover that had a wooden hinge. I couldn't wait to show the master Carpenter my work of art. Graciously, Tony took the box, looked it over, asked me about the neat hinge feature I had made, and generally seemed quite fascinated with my little creation. He may or may not have actually been impressed, but he made sure I thought he was, in the kindest of ways. He told me I did a great job, to keep working with my hands and with the tools I had, and to keep improving my skills. “Maybe someday when you grow up, you can work with me.” he said. My feet didn’t touch the ground for days after that meeting. Several years would pass before I saw Tony again. I was sixteen. Tony and I talked. I reminded him of the offer he had made years earlier and  I wound up working with him that very summer. 

I vividly remember the first day I went to the jobsite with Tony. It of course began with a meet up at his house at o’dark thirty, followed by a coffee run, and then East on Northern Boulevard, before anyone else in North America was even awake. We were working on an office renovation that Tony already had going on. He threw me right into the fire, right into one of the offices with some basic tools and a whole stack of sheetrock and said, “I'll see you in the afternoon”. I guess he wanted to see how I was going to do in that room by myself with four foot by ten foot sheets of 5/8” sheetrock to handle. Well, when he came in towards the end of the day I guess it passed muster because the only thing he mentioned was that “Next time, make sure you line up the screws sideways too, you know, because it has to look good until the tapers get here.” I chuckled a bit to myself because that thought had actually crossed my mind. You see, Tony and I shared some of these idiosyncrasies about things having to be just so, even when no one was going to see it later. Quality mattered, always. That first day led to many years of me working with Tony, on and off as school allowed. I gained tremendous respect for Tony seeing his amazing abilities. And I think he gained some respect for “the kid” when it came to not only carpentry, but in regard to some peskier, and more technical things, like plumbing and electric, and a whole bunch of other stuff, like reading instructions. We came to rely on each other quite a bit. I loved every minute of it. And I began to love Tony.
Those were very formative years, and they laid the foundation for pretty much who I am today. The times I spent with Tony I will carry with me for the rest of my life. He was a force to be reckoned with, usually with a smile on his face. He was never one to shy away from anything, especially hard work. He was that way with everything, whether it be on the job, taking care of his family, or just simply helping  someone.

The term he often used was POTJ. It is an acronym which reminded us that everything was Part Of The Job. I still use it to this day at my shop and around my sons. I will still sweep the floor, unload trucks, build what has to be built, and make the highest level business decisions, because that's what Tony did to succeed. He just did everything that had to be done, everything to get the job done. It was literally who he was.

Aside from my own parents, the only person that significantly impacted me in formative ways was Tony. He shared many traits with my mother. Although they were first cousins, they were a bit closer considering the relationships of their parents. For those of you that don't know, Tony's parents and my mother’s parents were a bit unique in that two brothers married two sisters. Genetically speaking I am not sure what that makes their children, but I would think it puts them somewhere between first cousins and siblings. That similar gene pool became evident as time went on. Tony and I definitely were cut of the same cloth. I am so lucky to have had the time with him that I did to learn that.
Everyone should be thankful if you knew him. I'm going to miss him dearly. We all lost someone really special last week. But I know one thing, he would not want us to be sad. He would want us to grab life good and tight, and live it to the fullest while we can. I am going to make sure that is what I keep on doing every day, all the while thinking of the one and only Tony Iervolino to help guide me. I am sure he is  driving with the top down on his ‘57 Chevy, forever taking in the sun, just crusin’ with the oldies blasting on the radio. And that is just how I want to remember him.
with love,
Jim Zumpone

82 years of intensity, focus, mastery and love. Rest in peace as you  live on in our hearts and deeds. We love you to the moon and back!

xoxoxo

Daddy's little girl, forever & ever, Amen

In honor of my dear beloved father

Dad, you have been the constant in my life since the day I was born; my constructor of things for the past 55 years; methodically, with exact precision, laying down a beautiful foundation of strength and love. You loved outloud, with your whole heart, with your entire being and all of your God given talents. You never did anything halfway.  I have vivid memories of it all. 

In elementary school, I asked you to help me with my Parthenon project. I'm certain that P.S. 32 must have it in a display case somewhere because your version was made of solid wood complete with Athenian Acropolis base and fluted columns! Soon thereafter came the coolest cabana sun-n-surf had ever seen with two sets of bunk beds for some of the best summers a girl could ever imagine! 

Fast forward to several apartment moves in & around Boston; each one involving new kitchen flooring and window blinds installation, all with day light to spare. Then in 1998, just a few months before Ashley was born, you transformed a dark ugly basement into a beautifully bright two bedroom apartment complete with kitchen, bath and foyer! When it was time, you brought your talents and love up to White Plains and helped turn our house into a home where Patrick and I have raised your 3 adoring grandchildren. 

There has never been one single moment in my life that I did not feel loved and cherished by you. Death does not diminish those feelings but only serves to amplify them. I am the embodiment of all the love and care you have given me in my lifetime and I see you in everything I do and in everything I love. Thank you, Dad, for all your love and for my beautiful blessed life. ❤ always and forever your loving daughter, Renee

I was privileged to know Anthony for 27 years, from when I first started dating his daughter Renee through his last moments with his beloved family. 

I had the pleasure meeting the enormous amount, at least to me, of the extended family. Many enjoyable holiday get-togethers and of course a lot of drama! That's what families are that's what they do. Throughout it all ran a vein of love and at the source of that was Anthony. Everything he did he did out of love, most especially for his true love Marie and his family. However, he had plenty of love to give and he gave it unselfishly to you whether you just met or he had known you for years. 

He loved his grandchildren, Ashley, Ryan, and Paul and was always checking in on them. He was a great source of love, positive energy, and guidance to them, and they loved nana and papa deeply.

As much as he would give you his love, he would also give you his opinion, unabashedly. Stubborn like a mule? Yes, that he was as was the family, so I fit right in! You always knew where you stood with Anthony, and he would drop everything to help out a friend. He was also eager to share his knowledge of carpentry and to watch him work and see what he created was special. I learned much from him. 

In his later years when he wasn't able to do as much as he had enjoyed doing, I saw how much it pained him to lose that ability. I offered, and after a time, he accepted my help as his proxy, a stand in. I asked him to show me exactly how he did anything he could. I made sure I did it the way he wanted, I guess that was one of the ways I showed my love for him. After all, as he liked to say, I was his favorite son-in-law!

A good man. He treated me like a son, and I respected him like a father. To know him was to love him.  

With Love Always, Patrick

Anyone that knows me knows how much I loved my Papa. Theres nothing he wouldn't do for me, or for anyone in that matter. He supported me my entire life through thick and thin. He was always such a strong presence and quite the character. Every summer I went out to the house he built in Remsenburg to spend a week alone with him and my Nana. Some of my most happy, blissful and wholesome memories were made out there. It was a place where I always felt safe. He'd pick up fresh jelly donuts for me from the bakery early in the morning. We'd go for rides around town in his prized '57 Chevy, each time Sinatra was flowing through the speakers, he had his Kangol hat on with a carpenters pencil behind his ear and he'd always say, "You know how much I love you, right?". He always made sure the people closest to him knew how much they were loved and cared for. I'm so grateful for the time I got to spend with him and Nana, I always knew how special it was and never took it for granted. I remember when Papa wasn't able to take those trips with me anymore, how different the Remsenburg house felt. One of the first times I went there while he was home in Queens, it didn't feel right. I found myself upset and crying because everything was a reminder of how things used to be before his health started to decline. I didn't hear his music blasting from the garage, him loudly talking into his flip phone to his friends or smell his cologne. I remember snapping myself out of my sadness and making a promise to myself; to remember & celebrate the endless cheerful memories I was so lucky to have because of Papa. It was still odd to visit the Remsenburg house while he was in Queens but he was always there in spirit or watching us enjoy the life he built for us through the security camera he'd monitor from home. He wouldn't want anyone to mourn his death, but to celebrate the incredible life he led and the legacy he left for his family. Papa, I love you to the moon and back. Rest in peace. Love, Ashley

Dad,
You were my father, teacher, and coffee mate at 5 am for ten years until you were bedridden. Those talks will permanently be etched in my mind.  People will never know the profound impact you had on the course of my life.  I have endless stories to tell about you,  and yes, they will all share the same point. You were fearless and lived life on your terms, from waking me up at 430am when I was six years old to start work, riding in the van, and watching you plot out your day ahead. You also made close friends of mine into the men they are today. The list is very long. You changed many people's lives, I could not imagine what my life would look like without you as my father. I will miss you but know this. You live within me until I see you again, my best man. 
 
Anthony R. Iervolino

I've thought of so many things to say, so many different ways.  Lots of fun, funny, deep & meaningful memories.  Too many to list but ones that will eternally fill my heart & soul.
Thank you for being my Dad-thru the good, the great, the trying times & the impactful memories & moments that death can never erase. You were always there for me through it all.  My Dad with the perfect smile & beautiful heart.  You & your love remain with us  in so many ways; all we have to do is look around.
Love You to the Moon & Back...

Heartfelt condolences to Marie and the rest of the family. Tony was a great neighbor in Remsenburg: warm, helpful, caring.  I regret that we haven't seen him in quite a while.  I miss the Frank Sinatra recordings emanating from their driveway.

He will certainly be missed by many.

Thank you, papa, for showing me how to live a life without compromise. Thank you for showing me what it takes to become a man and what it means to walk through life gratefully and with love in my heart. You not only checked in on me you checked in on all three of us all the time to make sure we were on the right path. So I can assume, well I know, that my grandfather wasn’t only an inspiration and a guide to me and my siblings, but to so many of you reading this. I could tell this because of the number of people I met because of him and the conversations they’d have. If you knew my grandfather you know he lived his life with immense care in his heart. He always remembered to ask how people were doing and showed love and thanks for everything he was given. Sure there may have been some tough love at times, but that's because my grandfather was an old-school nonstop machine. A very rare kind of person to find nowadays. He was a gentleman who had a passion for what he did and love for his people. Even when he was sick in bed he wanted to go and work on something. That's a rare kind. Cause he didn’t just like his job he loved it. Papa carried that same love and passion that he had for work into all the relationships he’s built. And you could feel it. His smile is contagious his wink is iconic and his “oh boy” when you say something he didn't agree with was hilarious. No matter what you would do he loved you no matter what. Rest in peace, Papa. Love Always, Paul

Tony was a wonderful neighbor in Remsenburg. He welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm.  We were happy to hear Frank Sinatra emerging from the driveway next door.  Tony was friendly and generous, and we will all miss him.

When someone passes away you hear people say things like he was one in a million and that there has never been nor will ever be someone like him. They say that about a lot of people, but in this case this is certainly true. Uncle Tony was a special person. Just how special can only be measured by those whose lives he touched during his life time. I have been lucky to know him for about 29 years. I met his niece Michele back then and we eventually married. When she introduced me to her Uncle I was not sure what to think, but I did see how happy and full of life he was. He seemed to be the center of attention most of the time with everyone waiting to hear what he had to say about a particular topic or hear him tell a story or just something to make everyone laugh. However we cannot mistake that to mean he was not serious when he needed to be. His dedication to family and to his work was above and beyond. Actually I shouldn’t call it work in his case because he was a craftsman who loved what he did. One particular thing I will always remember about him is how he would ask me how my parents were and my family. Especially after my father had a stroke a few years ago. Not just once in a while, but each and every time he saw me. Many people say things like that as a courtesy, 
but I could also tell that he meant it and was interested to hear about them. As I said in the beginning he is one of a kind and he will be truly missed by so many. 
Love, Mike

I first met Tony and Marie after I became friends with Renee in nursing school. I recall being invited for lunch at the Iervolino home with a small group of classmates.  Marie and Tony always made sure we were well fed. I always enjoyed my visits to that beautiful little brick home in Flushing. But most of all I will remember how that home was filled with so much love. Tony always made me feel welcomed and made me feel like family…he had that way about him. I recall always being greeted with a big smile and hug. But before fully releasing his hug, he would always look me in the eye and ask me if I was doing ok. I knew that his concern was truly genuine. I loved that about him. I loved Tony like a dad and I will truly miss that big smile and hug. Rest in peace Tony. My deepest condolences.  Xoxo –Lissette 

Our deepest condolences to Marie and all Tony’s loved ones. I always felt a sense of safety and comfort when pulling up to my parents house and seeing Tony out front. He’s one of a kind. His presence was a staple on 155th street, and he will surely be missed by everyone who knew him. Love, Carolyn & Damien Mooney

I’ve looked at the photo that was posted. It’s a beautiful face, full of love. I’ve read many of the posts and have cried reading each of them, as I am doing right now writing  this,
Tony and Marie were always hospitable. My first memory of the good food and good times was my first Christmas Eve.  Being Jewish I did not know the 7 courses that Marie would 
serve. I took 3 walks around the block and they laughed at me. I learned for the following years to only eat sparingly enjoying every bite.  I’m happy that they accepted me into the fold and I will not forget what good friendship really is. I will miss Tony very much.

Tony, words can’t describe how much you will be missed. You left a mark on our hearts with your lively spirit and kind soul. You had a way to make those around you smile... one of those ways was through music. Growing up, from my bedroom window on those warm summer days, I will forever remember hearing one of my favorites, Frank Sinatra, blasting on the speakers as you sang along and worked on your car. I’m so glad to have had you as a neighbor, but even more so as a dear friend. As our great friend said, the best is yet to come. Until we meet again ♥️ 

My deepest condolences to my Aunt Marie, Renee, & "Anthony Boy".  I've lived what you are going through and can totally empathize.   Also, my condolences to my Uncle Tony’s sisters - Aunt Connie and my Mother Louise.   I’m so sorry.  
I owe everything I know about carpentry, electrical, hanging sheetrock to my Uncle Tony - who worked many miracles with his hands.   We would start VERY early in the morning.  I've spent many mornings/days whether it was "watching the truck" in the city-to avoid parking tickets.  LOL.  Demolishing insides of homes and offices to turn them around to look beautiful.   He’s shown me how to work saws, work with wood to frame – you name it when it came to carpentry.  He was the only person I’ve ever known that could draw a straight line over a piece of sheetrock or piece of plywood–FREE HAND!  I've been able to replace windows in my parent's home, attach screen porches to our existing homes, construct decks and do some electrical work.  All able to be done; with no fears, attributed to his guidance he's given me in my younger years working with him.  
When my sister and I lost our father this past May, Uncle Tony & I probably spoke more in the last several months than we have in years.   He called me quite frequently to check on me & my sister but to make sure I was looking after my mother (his sister).   He would say “you’re the man of her house now” & was very persistent I step up.  On days he would call & if I wasn’t able to answer right away, he would leave me clear voicemail messages to make sure I call him ASAP.  LOL!  We not only spoke about me making sure Mom was ok or what she was going through, we spoke about how he was feeling.  We’ve had good conversations & actually miss his calls.  
I’ve been away from New York for many years.  Many memories made growing up here.  Lucchese’s & Iervolino’s will always be a huge part of those memories.  Many made working with my Uncle.  Rest in Peace Uncle Tony.  You will be missed.  
Love Always, Richard


In a time of feeling lost and alone, after my Father's passing, you stepped in and filled those shoes without even knowing.  You taught me life lessons that are too numerous to list. You gave me the confidence and values I carry in my life today.  I hope you meet up with my Dad and the both of you look down and say, "Pay Attention". Rest in Peace Tony.  Until we meet again. You will be missed every day. Love you forever. My "Bonus Dad" 
Ulysses "Huey" Rivera 

Here is Tony in his glory with Martha and I in his beloved car at his home in the Hamptons!   Such wonderful memories with this special guy!  Here’s to you Tony!   ❤️  Love Camille & Chuck ! 

Tony - You taught me some life lessons I will never forget…your wisdom and passion for life well live on forever.  We will never forget you! <3 Don and Jess Pirone 

Anthony Iervolino (Uncle Tony) was one of the most handsome, kind and charismatic men I’ve ever had the pleasure to know.  I am also lucky to call him my Godfather. My Dad, Dominick, and Uncle Tony were the best of friends growing up in Astoria and worked together as carpenters when they were young adults.  They were both amazing craftsman and must have been a real dynamic duo.  He was my Dad’s Best Man at his wedding, and he often tells stories of the harmless mischief they engaged in as kids.  I loved watching their faces light up and chuckle when they were together as they reminisced about the “good ole days”.  Some of my dad’s fondest memories as a young man were spent with “Tony” (or “Booze” as he had called him when they were younger). Uncle Tony lit up a room with his charm and wit and often captivated the room with his stories.  Uncle Tony and Dad were both busy raising their families and working that the time they spent together was not as frequent as they would have liked but they always spoke on the phone to catch up on their lives.  Four years ago, we had an 80th surprise party for my dad and having “Booze” there was the absolute highlight of his night and there wasn’t a dry eye as everyone watched these two rough and tough guys embrace for what seemed like forever when he came in the room. I remember my dad, husband and brother going to Huntington to see Uncle Tony’s beautiful 57 Chevy on display in the car show.  It’s a beautiful car and he looked so proud as he stood by it. My Mom passed away last January, and Uncle Tony checked in often to see how my dad was doing.  I’m sure the two of them are up in heaven cracking each other up, as my mom was very witty and the two of them would always tease each other. I am so happy that we were together only a few weeks ago at Renee’s house for Aunt Marie’s birthday.  Uncle Tony (booze) was one heck of a guy who will be sorely missed.  Rest easy Uncle Tony and condolences to all who loved him.
Love Always, Theresa

My fondest memory of my cousin Anthony was when I was a young girl. My family had suffered a great loss and I was devastated crying uncontrollably when suddenly Anthony came out of no where and put his arms around me to comfort me. I will never forget the warmth and peace he made me feel, and this speaks to the kind of person he was.  Sending our love and prayers to Marie and the family.
Anthony, you will be greatly missed ❤️
Rest In Peace 
Lisa Truchan and family 

Tony was an extraordinary person and neighbor who would do anything for you. He had a big heart.  I will never forget his great smile, warm-hearted hellos, and laugh.

I have known Tony and his family since I was a little girl. We had our own Little Italy neighborhood. When we had family gatherings, Tony and Marie were at our house, and vice versa. Renee and I are friends and have spent much time together growing up.  Tony was like a second father to me.

Tony was a perfectionist, yet his caring heart took precedence over the fact that my father installed carpet in their house.   After my father passed, it took them quite a while to replace it. Tony loved and respected my father. 
 
I always remember Tony loving old cars.  He had a fantastic classic car.  He and my brother, Frankie, would love to go to car shows.  

When I married, I sometimes saw Tony outside whenever I went to see my mom.  Tony always asked how I was doing, how my husband was, and my kids. He was a caring man.  He adored his family and grandchildren.  His family was his life.
Tony will be missed and always remembered. 

with love always, 
Patti









I will miss you Tony very much, I will miss your heartfelt friendship that I saw more as a father. I will certainly miss your phone calls. Thank you for all your support and advice. I will miss your Sinatra songs played from the garage. Please know that your memory will always live in me. I love you my friend. - Fernando 

Dear Anthony, you will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Miss your smile and laugh. Always a caring guy! I remember how you came to JFK when Anthony Pacilio, my nephew had cancer and flew to Lourdes you were there for all of us!
You will forever be in our hearts and our
Prayers. To Marie,  God Bless you for all you have done. May God give you strength to you and your beautiful family during this difficult time.
Rest In Peace, Anthony❤️🙏🏻
Love your cousin Annette & family 

Dear Marie, Renee, Anthony and the entire Iervolino family,

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband and father, Anthony.
May God comfort you at this sad time,  and strengthen you with His infinite love, compassion and peace. 

Rest in Peace Anthony.   May your memory be Eternal.

With love and condolences,
 Your long-time neighbors, the Mokhoff family -
Nic, Nadia, Michael, Nick and Liuba

So sorry to hear of his passing …🌹  a neighbor for 50 years will be greatly missed. 🌹 yvonne and martha

We have many wonderful memories of Tony, our neighbor and friend for over 40 years.  Having  seen their children and ours grow up and thrive, we shared family celebrations, neighborly visits and summer days at their beautiful Hamptons house. He was a kind, honest, and generous person. He had a heart of gold and left an indelible mark on our home with his outstanding carpentry, his creative eye for detail and perfectionism that is appreciated by all our friends and family.

Tony was also a lot of fun and quite the character, and we had many laughs. We'll always remember the rides in his 57 Chevy convertible out in the Hamptons, in his white hat, buying the donuts, parking at the beach and enjoying all who stopped to admire his car. 

We, and our neighbors, will truly miss Tony's thoughtfulness, his keeping an eye out for all, his warm greeting, and the music that he loved and shared for all to hear. We know that he is with us, and we will always have the best looking out for us.   

God bless Tony, our dear friend and neighbor, may he rest in peace!

Don and Martha

I will never forget the countless times he asked me “What are ya gonna do with ya life”. Mind you I was just starting to touch double digits in age, but sure did those digits move quickly. With each year the same question would come up and I’d say to him every time, “I’m just a kid pop ! I have no idea !”. But deep down I knew I’d be doing something along the lines of what he did for work, I was always so fascinated in all his tools and techniques. I just had a feeling. So as time went on and I got my first taste of blue collar work I was hooked, I finally understood why he kept asking me all those years. He loved what he did and now so do I.   Love Always, Ryan

I will miss my pal Tony very much. We shared a friendship of many years and had good meals and times with my wife Kathy and his Marie .

Rest In Peace and love.
Fred Waltzer

Still can’t believe you are gone Uncle Tony. Mike, myself and Marc and Dan will miss you so very much, and we will always love you! My mind is overflowing with so many different memories. As an uncle you were the best, always there for us and we always knew how much you loved us! You would always ask me about the boys and how they were doing, and it was so clear to me how much you cared. When Dan was very sick when he was a baby and in the hospital, you gave me a Padre Pio medal, which I still have today. My best memory of you  is when you spoke on our wedding video and said that if we ever needed anything to just “call Uncle Tony!” Can’t tell you how much those words have meant to us over the years! Aunt Marie, Renee, Patrick, Anthony, Dori, Ashley, Ryan and Paul, we love you so much and are praying for all of you! 
With love Always, Michele

Always looked forward to  Tony and Marie coming out to the island on the weekend. We would always go out to eat dinner. And in the afternoon Tony and I would take turns driving our classic cars and have coffee. Funny thing about that is I don’t like coffee. I did it to spend time with him. He was a special guy and we had a very special friendship. I will miss him very much. ❤️❤️❤️ - Steve

OBITUARY

Anthony "Tony" L Iervolino

15 July, 1940 – 1 February, 2023

Frederick Funeral Home

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