If there is anything we learned from the passing of a friend, it is that time is truly precious. Occasionally in life you meet a very special person who it is a privilege to call a friend, Tony is that person. 
He comes to mind and conversations often and brings a smile to our face. We have lost a very dear friend two years ago and we know that Sugar and the girls have been through so much and will always have that empty feeling within their hearts. 
Please know our LOVE and thoughts are with you. You are not alone we are here for you always. 
Richie & Mary 

Tony Sir, I was Honored to have Gotten 21 Pieces from you . My 1 st was at Fifteen,i went to get a Mom & Dad Piece . That was Short Lived as i got a " Black Rose Of Death" Instead. I was only at your business at Lefferts & Albany Ave.   You Had a cousin Carmine as your Security with a Firearm. Anyway after Many Tatts i was your last Customer One day , when you closed up Downstairs you took me up through your home  upstairs i remember the pictures on the walls , everything , You were very Nice  we sat talked a little . I never Knew how much of a Legend you were sir until your Passing. Thank you for Touching my Life with your Artwork .God Bless your Wife , R.I.P. we will all miss you .....

I LOVE AND MISS YOU MY KING
I MISS HOLDING YOUR HANDS THE
WAY YOU LOOKED AT ME .
GETTING UP EARLY AND COOKING YOU BREAKFAST AND YOU SAYING TO ME THAT
THE EGGS WERE NOT THE WAY YOU WANTED THEM.I CAN'T BELIEVE YOUR GONE.WHEN I FIRST MET YOU I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO BE MINE BUT WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW WAS THAT YOU WERE GOING TO LEAVE ME SO SOON BUT I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WILL KEEP YOU ALIVE IN MY HEART AND I WILL GO AND SPENT TIME BY YOUR RESTING PLACE AND TALK TO YOU ALWAYS.MY DARLING KING I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH THAT IT HURTS.
TILL WE MEET AGAIN 
REST IN PEACE MY KING
LOVE YOU
MRS.P.

Miss You Tony.. Especially from 64 & 65 hanging out watching You Tattoo in the Basement of 621 Lefferts Ave.. RIP :(

We are so sorry to hear about Anthony's passing. He was such a good and kind friend. You are all in our prayers.

Tony, you were a legend not only in Pigtown, but throughout the city.  You will always be remembered as long as your ink remains alive on each and every client you serviced.  You have known the "skin" of Pigtown.  God rest your soul for eternity.  You gave two of my brothers their tattoos, Gino and Joey.  RIP
Grasso Family

Anthony proud to say we lived in same neighborhood  have all my tats from him would hang out with  him and babewas a good person loved his food rest in peace Anthony butchmy deepest condulenses

Sugar you  don't know me personally but growing up as a teenager  I lived a cross the street from anthony I would go down his basement  646 lefferts ave I was at 645 lefferts  it's funny he always wanted to ta too me at 16  my dad would have  killed me back then . But  I gave in an got 4 tattoos from him an would never charge me he was very friendly with my family .my dad had a shoe repair shop on Albany ave and tony would come in a talk to my dad ..all the time we were very close friends .I have so many stories  to write . But I don't have enough time .to write everything .. about a wonderfull man tony polite was I haven't spoken to him in 40 years I tried to get his number  from a few friends they didn't have it . I am telling you for year s I been trying to get in touch with him .and on August 24 2017 it was 10: 15  am  I dialed tony s 718 area,code phone number  an  low behold  tony  answered the phone I was so happy to hear his voice  .I am tearing up  right now he was  very surprised to hear my voice after all those years .he said I got him at a bad time he was  in the hospital.I said ok .he call me back an we will talk for hours.  And he passed  Saturday .I am so very very sorry I don't know what to say or put into words my deepest sympathies go to you an your loving family God  bless all of the polite family .Tony will never be forgotten . In my heart  Sugar God will keep you strong through this time of sorrow...

My dear uncle Tony. You were more than just an uncle you were like a father to me. You opened your heart to me and rook care of me when my father wasn't there. You filled me with so much love kindness support laughter. You will never be forgotten. You love and spirit lives with me always. I am truely blessed. Love you always and thank you for loving and taking care of me.❤❤❤

Craig Cooley from Lake Charles, la. here...  I tattooed in NYC for over 20 years, and met Tony in 1990...  one of only a handful of times when I knew I was in the presence of greatness...  One time he saw me lugging a pkg.  pulled over the car, put it in the trunk and drove me all the way to my shop..  What a wonderful man, and I'm glad and proud to have known him, and what he gave our business

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, 
and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. 
RIP Tony I will miss you very much. My condolences go out to Sugar the girls, his family and friends. His heart was so kind even at his worst when he was so ill he would ask how my dad was. His unselfish act and thoughtfulness will always remain in my heart.
Rest In Peace.

On behalf of the Roman and Funaki family, would like to extend my sincere condolences.  Please remember that you are not alone... We are always here for you. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

Our heartfelt condolences to my sister Sugar and her two daughters Alexis and Erica for their sudden loss. Words cannot express our sorrow. May the Lord Jesus help you find the strength to overcome this trying period. Love you.

To The Polito Family:
May you rest in peace & may your legacy live on forever 
God has another Angel named Anthony Polito
You will never be forgotten
Love Always, Erica, Louis, Caliepage, Princess & Precious Gellman

May this candle burn brightly  in your honor & keep eternal flame always. Till we meet again in Heaven.
Save me a spot daddy Anthony 
Love always, your daughter Baby Erica

Thank you for the advice, wisdom and many stories you shared with me. My deepest condolences to the Polito family. Rest in peace, Tony.

God bless you tony. A good man, with a good heart. Loved by many, and you will be missed by many. 
Sleep in heavenly peace my friend.

Tony was a kind hearted, generous guy. It's not only  a great loss to our tattoo family but to his wife Sugar, his daughters and Family my deepest condolences go out to them. I am deeply saddened and I will never forget the bond we had and the time we spent together "mostly eating somewhere" he loved food sometimes I think he loved it more than tattooing. He was a good friend and I don't think there will ever be another friend like that in my life. He fought a good fight he went through hell and made his way to heaven. God Bless you Tony your fight is over and your serenity and peace has just begun.
 RIP my Friend, 
love Richie

Tony was loved by his family and many friends.  He loved our craft and I was so fortunate to hear the many stories and history he shared with me. Tony you're at peace now. I will always remember you. R.I.P

GODSPEED!!! you will be missed by many my FRIEND!!!  TATTOO JEFF!!!

Take care Anthony it was great to know you and have you in my life .You did a lot of good for everyone.RIP

OBITUARY

Anthony Tony Polito

23 December, 1945 – 2 September, 2017

Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services