Tony was born in Watkins Glen and grew up during the depression, he often told of childhood Christmases when he was excited and happy with his only gift, an orange.
In his late teens Tony spent a lot of time with friends dancing, they would travel miles in a model T Ford to wherever there was a dance. He always made sure none of his friends were left behind, if a friend was missing he was known to leave a dance, go to their home and drag them to the dance.
After High School he attended school for aircraft mechanics and went to work for Schweizer Aircraft Corporation building the famous TG-2 Sailplane, used so successfully in the Army and Navy training program. Before long he felt the call to arms, like so many of his generation, and joined the Army Airforce to serve as ball turret gunner on a B-24 flying 35 missions from London/France over Germany. Tony engaged in combat missions and was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, and 4 Bronze Stars.
Once Tony returned to the states he met the love of his life and future bride, Connie Jones. He and Connie made their home in Cayuta, NY and raised 6 kids. Through out the years they owned a number of business; The Alpine Junction restaurant and bar, Redwood Motel, Rainbow Giftshop, Glen Grocery, and the Country Auto Sales.
Tony is survived by his sister Mary (Borra) Randolph, his six children, Robert E. Borra, James A. Borra, William A. Borra, Frank (Pat) Borra, Richard (Mary Ann) Borra, Mary M. Borra, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, December 14th at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY. Burial with Military Honors will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Watkins Glen.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Tony’s memory to Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or to the Humane Society of Schuyler County, PO Box 427, Montour Falls, NY 14865 or to a local charity of one’s choice.
Friends and family may sign the guest book at www.haughey-woodfuneralhome.com
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