Anthony “Tony” Umile, age 84, was struck by a car on August 30, 2022, while crossing a street on his daily walk to his favorite coffee shop, where he had long since become a beloved regular, chatting with friends while reading the New York Times. He succumbed to his multiple injuries within hours, leaving behind a large family and a host of friends who loved him.
Tony was born in Manhattan General on March 17, 1938 into a Sicilian immigrant family in New York City. He was one of two children of Rose and John Umile. His younger sister died of an illness when Tony was 4, and the tragedy colored the family’s life. As a gregarious only child, Tony sought companionship among cousins and found adventure exploring Manhattan and later joining the Boy Scouts. He was a lifelong Yankees fan. On a Boy Scout trip to Colorado, he ascended to the top of Pikes Peak. Not knowing how cold it could be—and half-frozen—he nevertheless fell in love with the mountains of Colorado. He later attended the University of Colorado in Boulder, where he earned his B.A. degree in Psychology.
In Boulder, he learned photography, operated the lights for CU’s Little Theatre, became a peace activist, and fell in love with his wife of 57 years, Laurel Ann Flanders, from Longmont, Colorado. They married in Longmont on July 4, 1965, and made their first home in San Francisco, where Tony worked as a juvenile probation officer.
Tony and Laurel loved the Bay Area, but wanderlust led them away to spend nearly a year in Italy, where they studied Tony’s first language, Italian. They traveled to every region, though spending most of their visit in Perugia. A love of Italy and all things Italian remained important to both. Visitors to their home were treated to Tony’s wonderful Italian cooking.
They moved briefly to Kentucky and then “home” to Longmont after starting their family. Tony is survived by his wife Laurel and their two children, Barbara Umile and Mark Umile. Tony is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law John and Laurie Flanders, Lynette Flanders Moyer, and Paul and Dianne Flanders, all of Longmont. He is beloved of cousins-in-law Francea Flanders Phillips and Fred and Melody Flanders, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his long-time devoted caregiver, Michael Schwarz. Tony was deeply woven into his Colorado family and spent all holidays, many hikes, overseas trips, birthday celebrations, and political discussions as part of the extended Flanders family.
Tony always attended the Boulder Friends Meeting (Quakers). He developed his photography business in Longmont, won photography awards, and joined the Professional Photographers of Colorado. A dedicated promoter of the arts in Longmont, he was influential in the development of the Firehouse Art Center where he exhibited photographs and supported the work of other artists. He was a leader in the Colorado Mountain Club. He climbed Longs Peak six times as well as other Fourteeners, spent many happy hours hiking, and until recent years was well known for his routine of jogging all through the neighborhood of Old Town Longmont.
A Celebration of Tony’s Life was held at Ahlberg Funeral Home on September 13, 2022. A Gathering of Family & Friends followed at the Firehouse Art Center in Longmont. Tony greatly appreciates all those that were able to attend. A Memorial Service at the Friends Meeting in Boulder will be announced later. The family suggests donations in Tony's memory be made to The Firehouse Art Center or the Boulder Friends Meeting. Fond memories of Tony and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17