Anthony William “Tony” Speziale, born April 6, 1957, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed into his afterlife on June 1, 2025, at the Pines of Poughkeepsie Nursing Home, after a long illness.
Tony graduated from Brecksville (Ohio) High School, where he was a member of the school band and developed exceptional skill at playing the trombone. Tony received both his Bachelor of Music degree in trombone performance and his Master of Music Education from Manhattan School of Music (MSM) in New York City.
Known as “Tony Trombone” in his Latin band, La Inspiración, Tony played professionally in numerous New York City clubs, including Roseland and Palladium, and opened for Tito Puente and his Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Tony began his teaching career in New York State public schools as a math teacher at M.S.142 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. A few years later, Tony accepted a position as band director for Midwood High School in Brooklyn, and had a teaching career highlight when the school band he had created, developed and directed was invited to participate in the 2000 Mets-Yankees Subway Series ticker-tape parade in New York City. From there, Tony accepted a position as band director at Dobbs Ferry High School, which was closer to his home in Cold Spring, New York. He retired from teaching in 2015 due to health issues.
Tony is survived by his loving family: wife Linda Milne Speziale, son William Speziale, sister Victoria Speziale (Phil Muttillo), niece Jennifer Grosh Dziczikowski (Tim), nephew Brian Grosh (Marie), grandnephews Dylan Grosh and Bobby Grosh, and grandniece Anna Grosh. Tony was predeceased by his parents, Eugene Speziale and Dorothy Speziale (nee Danko).
Tony is also survived by many wonderful friends, including his dear friends of 45 years, Joe Bunich and Susan Hugelmeyer, whom he met while they were students together at MSM, and friends of 35 years, Eric Kollin, John Morris and Bill Thomas, whom he met while they were teaching at M.S. 142.
Tony was interested in many styles of music, poetry, theater, and fine art. He was an avid reader of fiction, biographies, and history. He enjoyed fishing and camping and appreciated being surrounded by beauty. He cherished each of his many pets over his lifetime. He loved his son beyond measure.
Tony often joked that he’d like to set up a Trombonist’s Benevolence Fund through which he could receive donations for himself. In fulfillment of that dream, donations made directly to the family in support of Linda and William would be gratefully accepted. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date, still to be determined. To send a personal condolence, please visit riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC
Oh no, I’m so saddened to hear this. I had know idea that he was ill. I first met Tony while we both attended Manhattan School of Music. I have so many great memories of playing trombone and hanging with him. Thankfully over the years I got to see him from time to time when he would come to some of my Slide Attack gigs. RIP old friend, may Tony’s life be for a blessing.
Such a lovely person, always a joy to talk to! So sad for Linda and Will. All our sympathies.
I haven’t been in contact with my cousin for years, but I knew him to be a very good person and will forever miss him. My condolences to Linda and William and Vicky and all his friends.
My Uncle Tony was living in New York when I was growing up in Ohio, so my fondest memories of him were the times when he would come back for a visit or when we would go and see him in New York. He loved my grandma’s ravioli and she always had a heaping bowl ready when he would come to town. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and a gruff exterior that I’m sure he inherited from my grandpa, but he cared deeply about his family and was the quintessential “fun uncle.” He routinely whupped my butt at tennis, gave me gifts that I still treasure to this day (the Lord of the Rings books and the Death of Superman comic in the sealed black bag immediately jump to mind) and he inspired my enduring love of Stephen King and anything involving a trombone. His health problems toward the end of his life were difficult to endure and I know he’s in a better place now, but he will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to Linda and Will.