"... Shocked-&-saddened to learn of Tony's death last Dec.!?! A great Person, I sang in his Choirs here in East Aurora H.S. Tony continued the Love U had for Music, started by my Parents as-a-Child. Will always cherish singing in Sr. Madrigal opening the NYS Pavilion at the '65 World's Fair with him. Glad he-&-his Wife came to our 50th Class Reunion. Tony was my inspiration in helping me work for "Billboard" 15-Yrs. in L.A., Vegas-&-here in Bflo./Rochester, NY. Thank-you Mr. Barresi for your Life well-Lived!"
In loving memory of
Anthony "Tony" Barresi
July 11, 1934 - December 22, 2017
Anthony Leonard Barresi
McFarland - Anthony "Tony" Barresi passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Agrace Hospice Center, surrounded by his family. Born in Silver Creek NY on July 11, 1934 to Josephine (Paglia) and James Vincent Barresi, Tony spent the early years of his life in Fredonia, NY. Tony was married to his wife Virginia for 57 years. They have one daughter, Regina (Gina).
Tony graduated from Fredonia High School in 1952 and then entered the State University College at Fredonia, NY where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in music education with a performance area in voice. After his graduation from Fredonia State, Tony entered the graduate program at the University of Michigan graduating in 1958 with a Master of Music degree in music history and voice. Upon graduating from Michigan, Tony returned to the Fredonia area and taught choral and general music in Brocton Central School and East Aurora Middle and High School. In 1964 he was invited to join the faculty of Fredonia State College as an assistant professor of voice and conducting. While at Fredonia Tony began doctoral studies in music and education at the University of Michigan attaining a PhD degree in 1973. That same year Tony accepted a position as director of choral music in the Oswego NY High School, a position he held until he accepted a professorial position in choral music education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1978. While in that position Tony served also as the chair of the music education program for seven years, conducted the University Choir, and was the Associate Director of the School of Music for two years prior to his retirement in 2000.
Throughout his 41 year career, Tony was active as a choral conductor, secondary school teacher and as a professor for undergraduate and graduate students. He was also active as an author-researcher having published several books, a nationally distributed instructional DVD, and numerous research articles that appeared in a number of professional research journals. Tony was often invited to guest conduct community, college, and secondary school choral festivals throughout the US and Canada. One of his greatest joys was conducting the All-University Chorus at the UW-Madison. He frequently was a guest lecturer at colleges and universities on topics related to public policy and the arts and music instruction. Over the term of his years in Wisconsin Tony, at various times, taught in and directed the academic year program in Florence, Italy sponsored by the Wisconsin, Michigan, and Duke Universities. He was also the founder and director of the University of Michigan summer Florence music and art program from 1998-2004.
Since his retirement, Tony has volunteered numerous hours at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. He also has had numerous hours of pleasure working in his wood shop and traveling with his family.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife Virginia, his daughter Regina (Tom) Barresi-Spalla and his granddaughter Alessandra.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Highway 51, McFarland, Wisconsin, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on December 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 5306 Main Street, McFarland. Family and friends are invited to a meal following the services at church.
Tributes
"I'm sorry to hear that Tony has passed away. I knew him during my early years at the UW-Madison School of Music. He was a wonderful, kind friend and colleague and was thoroughly professional. He also knew how to be not always serious and enjoy a goodl augh. We also shared having received our doctorates in Ann Arbor, MI. I really missed him after he retired from UW and often wondered how he was. I know many of his former students will really miss him. His family has my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Tyrone Greive, Professor of Violin, UW-Madison School of Music, 1979-2013 "
"Gina, I am so sorry for your family. I wish you God's Grace and Comfort, now. And Happy Memories always. Sandy Steckbauer"
"I worked as a secretary in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction where Tony had a joint appointment. Such a sweet caring person. When he was in the building, he'd often stop by to say hi or to just wave from the doorway. I remember his smile, his jokes and most of all his pride in his daughter. Rest In Peace Tony. "
"Dr. Barresi was a friend, mentor, and beloved colleague. I learned more than I can put into words about teaching, caring for and holding my students accountable for individual excellence in musicianship. I am forever indebted to him for his kindness, willingness to give of his time, and ability to get to the heart of any question posed to him. My deepest sympathies to all of Tony's family and friends - we have all lost an irreplaceable man. "
"My sincere condolences to the Barresi family. Tony had a huge impact on my undergraduate and graduate studies. He was a thoughtful mentor, patient teacher, and truly kind person. --Mike Ross (UW-Madison '94, '00) "
"Tony was a good colleague at the UW Madison School of Music. We nearly always had some great laughs from the stories he told or we told on him even when we were working hard on some knotty decisions in the Scholarship committee- so many talented young people- so little money to give. Tony is one of those people that when you see him or think of him you smile. He made the world a better place to be and will be sorely missed by all. Bill Richardson- UW- Madison Prof. of Trombone, Wisconsin Brass Quintet 1974-2003"
"Tony was truly a Renaissance person - as exemplified by his outstanding career. Tony was responsible for encouraging Emmy to apply for a grant to spend three wks obser-ving education in Britain/Scotland many yrs. ago. He was a passionate educator and person who always had time for every one. He/Ginny have been icons in the greater McFarland community for over 50 yrs. Together they presided over numerous projects in our Church community. It was our privilege to work w/ Tony on a number of those projects and be amazed w/ his insights. He will be missed - but we all know he is in a better place. May you rest in peace Tony - Patrick Kennedy"
"Dear Barresi family, Dr. Barresi was a great inspiration to me as I studied at the UW Madison. He gave me the push that I needed as a Freshman in order not to settle for good enough. He put faith in me when I needed that, too. His only admonition..."Don't let me down, Kiddo." After more than 25 years of teaching music, I pray I never have. Tune up that angel choir, Doc. We'll meet again someday. Kellie (Kohler) Jorgenson"
"Ginny and Gina, Please know that we are keeping you in our prayers and hearts during this very difficult time. He was a wonderful man. Gloria and Eugene Brockman"
"Tony truly cared about his students. While he cared about their education, musicianship, knowledge, and skills, Tony cared even more for them as people. I respect him greatly for his dedication to the whole person! His positive impact cannot be quantified!! "