Latest / Guided by Faith / Special Episode -- Anthony Varchetto - A Great Man

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Special Episode -- Anthony Varchetto - A Great Man · Guided by Faith

• 0:00
  In my introduction to the first season of Guided by Faith, I referenced a collection of over 50 editions of the Lakeside Classics.
• 0:10
  These iconic stories tell firsthand of the lies and accomplishments of many Americans, some known and some not.
• 0:18
  That collection was gifted to my wife Millie and I in 1998, upon the passing of her father, Anthony Varsett.
• 0:27
  Today marks what would have been Tony's 100th birthday.
• 0:32
  We miss him dearly.
• 0:35
  Although you will not read about him in any history books, like many Americans, Tony lived a fruitful life and accomplished a great deal.
• 0:45
  Tony was born in Chicago on June 1st, 1926, the second son of Anthony and Millie Varsetto.
• 0:53
  Tony and his brothers Sam and Joe were second-generation grandsons of Italian immigrants, many of whom found their way to Chicago, where they settled in what is still known today as Little Italy.
• 1:07
  Tony and his family lived near the intersection of Polk and Racine, in the shadow of downtown, and interestingly, not far from where I frequently visited Vittori's for Italian beef and Marios for Italian ice during my years at St.
• 1:24
  Ignatius College Prep, just down the street on Roosevelt Road.
• 1:29
  Both Little Italy and St.
• 1:31
  Ignatius College Prep remain in the same locations in Chicago and represent true cornerstones of that city.
• 1:40
  Tony graduated from Marshall High School in 1944.
• 1:44
  Evidence of his patriotism and dedication to cause, like many of the greatest generation, upon graduation, Tony immediately enlisted in the United States Navy.
• 1:57
  Although he was never called into combat, Tony was stationed at Coronado Island and served as a radio man in the Naval Air Force.
• 2:08
  Upon completing his service to our country, he began a 42-year career at R.R.
• 2:14
  Donnelly, the iconic printing company on Chicago's lakefront.
• 2:19
  Starting as an apprentice, he soon developed into a highly skilled photo technician.
• 2:26
  Throughout most of his career, he was responsible for retouching photographs for some of the most widely distributed catalogs and publications in America.
• 2:36
  Amongst the catalogs that he worked on were the annual issues from the historic American retailers Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Wards.
• 2:46
  Notable publications included Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated.
• 2:52
  Yes, including the swimsuit issues, which debuted in 1964.
• 2:58
  On June 1st, 1952, Tony's 26th birthday, he married Louise Nigro.
• 3:06
  This began a great life together that lasted 46 years.
• 3:11
  Tony and Louise, known affectionately as Nana, had four children, Kathy, Mary Ann, Lewis, and Millie, my wife of 42 years.
• 3:25
  In a reflection made during his retirement, Tony acknowledged that his goal in life was to get a good job, which he did, as I noted earlier, and send his children to college, which he did as well, and that all four of their children graduated from the University of Illinois.
• 3:46
  Tony and Nana had nine grandchildren who they loved dearly.
• 3:51
  Although Tony did have the opportunity to meet each of his grandchildren, unfortunately he was not granted enough time with them.
• 4:00
  Tony and Nana enjoyed their retirement in Sun City West, Arizona, joining many friends from the greatest generation, where they embraced that community fully, realizing the just reward for a life well spent.
• 4:16
  Tony was called home to the Lord on August 13th, 1998.
• 4:24
  Reflecting on Tony's life gives me a clear view into dedication to family, work, and culture.
• 4:32
  Tony clearly loved his family.
• 4:35
  His relationship with Louise was selfless, inspiring, and everlasting.
• 4:41
  Louise lived for 25 years after Tony's passing, and she forever lit up with a smile whenever we spoke of him.
• 4:50
  As I noted before, Tony essentially spent his entire career working for the same great company, doing much the same job.
• 4:59
  More importantly, he was committed to doing the job, whatever it was, the right way.
• 5:06
  Tony was an Italian American through and through.
• 5:10
  He thoroughly enjoyed Italian food, especially pizza and pasta.
• 5:14
  It was Tony who introduced me to hot peppers on spaghetti, still today an offering at most Chicago Italian restaurants.
• 5:23
  Tony liked his cars, especially Mustangs.
• 5:27
  Best recollections are that he bought several of them from 1964, its initial year, to 1973.
• 5:35
  Clearly he knew the true meaning of an American icon.
• 5:40
  It was at the side of that 1973 Mustang that I experienced my first goodnight kiss with Millie.
• 5:48
  Thank the Lord for Mustangs.
• 5:52
  Tony did not wear his faith on his sleeve.
• 5:56
  Regardless of his own faith foundation, whatever it may have been, his actions, especially the way he loved his family, and his overall persona made it clear he was a good person.
• 6:11
  More importantly, Tony was a great man.
• 6:17
  In 2024, Millie and I had the opportunity to visit the Basilica of St.
• 6:24
  Anthony in Padova, Italy.
• 6:26
  A truly special place where it is customary to lay your hand on the tomb of Saint Anthony while you pray.
• 6:35
  Without a doubt, I felt Tony's presence during that moment.
• 6:40
  Specifically, I recall the words he said to me as he gave me his daughter's hand on October 6th, 1984.
• 6:50
  This is a real lady.
• 6:52
  Treat her like that.
• 6:55
  God's grace, through Tony's message that day, has served me well, time and again.
• 7:02
  As we recognize what would have been Tony's 100th birthday, let us close with a prayer to St.
• 7:10
  Anthony.
• 7:12
  O Lord, through St.
• 7:14
  Anthony of Potova, you have made known your love and care for your people.
• 7:20
  Grant that, through his intercession, we may obtain the favors we seek and follow more faithfully the way of the gospel.
• 7:30
  Through Christ our Lord.
• 7:33
  Amen.
• 7:35
  Happy one hundredth birthday, Tony.
• 7:39
  We love you.