Obituary: Anthony "Tony" Balsamo - Class of 1963

ONALASKA - Anthony "Tony" Balsamo passed away at his Onalaska home on Sept. 1, 2014, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Madison to Pasquale and Maria Balsamo. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison Central High School. Tony’s genuine care for others and his vibrant, joyful personality made him a wonderful salesman. He sold men’s clothing for the Hub in Madison, sold men’s clothing on the road, and sold liquor and wine for Gateco and Quillin’s. Tony was the proprietor of Mr. T’s Airport Lounge from 1978 to 1990 at the La Crosse Municipal Airport. Tony owned La Crosse Dance Centre with his wife, Colleen, from 1984 until his passing, and owned Vinny’s Runway at the La Crosse Regional Airport with his son, Jason, from 2004 until his passing. In 1974, Tony married the love of his life, Colleen (Gallagher). They had two children, Nikki Balsamo and Jason "Vinny" Balsamo, both of Onalaska. Tony was a loving, sensitive, compassionate husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son; daughter-in-law, Erin (Gollnik) Balsamo; and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Giana Balsamo. He is also survived by a large extended family, all of whom he loved very much. His father and mother; sister, Pauline La Breche; brother, Joseph Balsamo; nephew, Jimmy La Breche; niece, Jeanie Becker; and great-nephew, Kevin Severson, preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, at 11 a.m., at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, in Onalaska. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the SCHUMACHER-KISH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., and at the church on Friday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).