Obituary of Joseph L. Tirone Sr.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Joe L. Tirone, a kind and true gentleman whose love of God and family was evident in all aspects of his life, and whose generosity of spirit and boundless energy will be remembered and missed by all, died Friday in his Castleton Corners home. He was 99. Born on Sept. 11, 1922, to parents Mary and Carmelo Tirone, immigrants of Arigento, Sicily, Tirone was raised in Port Richmond. At the age of 12 he began shining shoes at Original Shoe Repair, a family-owned business in his home community. After graduating from Port Richmond High School, he attended City College during evening hours, and by day he worked in Simmons Mattress Co. on Park Avenue in Manhattan. TIRONE'S PASSION FOR MUSIC With music the heart and soul of his life, Tirone welcomed the opportunity to perform. So when he attended a senior prom in the year 1940, he wasn't the least bit shy about serenading the crowd with the song "Imagination," a tune made popular during that year. It was there he was approached by Al Merenda, who suggested he apply for a singing-waiter job in the former Forest Tavern in West Brighton. A year passed, and Tirone would join Merenda's band as a vocalist and continue to sing on weekends at nightclubs and hot spots on Staten Island with big bands led by Charlie Schaumburg, Les Layne, Jersey Joy, Danny Merenda, Al Cardone, Lou Russ and Sonny Skelton. As time went on, Tirone appeared in 17 different clubs with names like the Anchor Inn, Blue Goose, Blue Parrot, Boulevard Hotel, Cafe Claret, Colony Club, Cozy Corner, Crocitto's, The Dutchman's, Forest Tavern, Great Kills Inn, Log Cabin, Meurot Club, Nile Room, Rendevouz, Fairway Club and the Shoals. In fact, Tirone often recalled one Saturday evening during which he had two singing gigs — one at The Dutchman's in Dongan Hills, and the other at the Shoals. He recounted he began with four songs at The Dutchman's and then drove to the The Shoals in Great Kills, where he sang four more. In all, he sang about 40 songs that evening. TIRONE'S MILITARY CAREER In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines, and after six months of training, instead of shipping out, he was commissioned to become secretary to the staff psychiatrist because of his knowledge of typing and stenography. As a result, he was stationed in the Sheepshead Bay community of Brooklyn for three years. "He toured with the U.S. Merchant Marines in the five boroughs with a show they put together involving all servicemen during his tenure at the Sheepshead Bay Station. And he won a talent show," noted his son, Joseph Tirone Jr. "He joined a troupe that entertained servicemen in the five boroughs. And the talent show win entitled him to sing on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour Radio Show." After returning from service, Tirone rejoined Simmons Mattress Company, and after two years, he was promoted to office manager. In 1949, Tirone and his brothers, Sal and Lou, opened the doors to Tirone Shoe Store on Port Richmond Avenue. And Tirone continued to sing on weekends. In 1950, he joined the Westerleigh Players, and performed in productions like "Naughty Marietta," "The Mikado" and "The Red Mill." He also appeared in dramatic acting roles in the Corn Cob Theater productions of "Goodbye, My Fancy" and "Three Men on a Horse." And there were nights when he appeared at theaters during early evening hours and sang at clubs later at night. TIRONE AND THE FORMER ELEANOR GRANDE MARRY Tirone met the former Eleanor Grande in the Cafe Claret. After dating for a while they said their "I do's" in Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, West Brighton, in 1955. And Tirone always loved to tell the story of the night the couple first exchanged glances. He recalled: "As soon as I met her, I said that's the woman I'm going to marry." A SPORTS ENTHUSIAST AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATE As an avid baseball fan, Tirone had no trouble quoting stats compiled by his idol, Yankee Clipper, "Joe DiMaggio." He also bowled in a number of leagues on Staten Island, where he maintained a 185 average until he was forced to retire because of arthritis. In 1978, he took early retirement to devote time to the shoe store. It was then he became actively involved in organizations such as the Northfield Development Co. and the Port Richmond Board of Trade, where he served as president, the Port Richmond Civic Association and the 120th Precinct Council. While a member of the 120th Precinct Council, he received awards for distinguished achievement and meritorious service. He was the loudest advocate and biggest proponent of promoting the Port Richmond area as one of the safest places to shop on Staten Island, and he worked extremely hard to remove the stigma and disrepute which surrounded the area. With the help of police officers in the 120th Precinct, he was able to remove the bad publicity. And for so doing, he was often called the "Mayor of Port Richmond." During the 1970s, when rock music prevailed and big bands with which he was associated were no longer prevalent, he joined the Choir of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners, and became a soloist at masses, funerals and weddings. His daughter Patricia said that her father was proud of being asked to sing at charity events like the Federation of Catholic Parents, the Senior Olympics Award Luncheon, AARP meetings, 120th Precinct meetings and the Alzheimer's Foundation. He continued being involved in Tirone's Shoe Store, and in the year 2000 he and his brothers were honored with the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Tirone also received awards from the late NYPD Borough Commander Eugene S. Devlin III of the 120th Police Precinct for "Helping Reduce Crime on Staten Island." He also was recognized by former State Sen. Vincent Gentile in "Appreciation of Outstanding Commitment and Service to the Community" and by Josephine Marino of the 120th Precinct Council in "Appreciation for Dedication and Efforts." In 2007, in honor of Italian Heritage Month, he was honored by then Councilman Michael McMahon, and in 2008 he was honored by the Staten Island Federation of Catholic Parents in recognition of generous support and unending dedication to the Catholic School children of the borough. "My dad had passion, energy and drive in everything he did," said Tirone's daughter, Susan Tirone Ready. "From his singing career, to his success in selling, to managing a business — and most of all, his love for his family and devotion to his faith, he was truly an amazing man and an incredible role model." She added that he was fond of the radio station WNEW-AM. "He loved the music and DJs such as Martin Block, William B. Williams, Jim Lowe and Jonathan Schwartz. He won contests by answering trivia questions and had dinner with Jim Lowe and Jonathan Schwartz by being the 11th caller with the right answer." Joseph Tirone Jr. noted: "My dad was a devout Catholic, deeply dedicated to his family, and he was the consummate gentleman. His dedication to the Staten Island community as a businessman, church member and vocalist at over 30 local establishments was truly inspirational. I don't believe there has ever been anyone like him." And he explained that although his dad was only a part-time entertainer, he loved the talented artists and his favorites were Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Jackie Gleason and Billy Eckstine. "He said Sammy Davis Jr. could do it all. He could sing, dance, act and imitate. He admired song writers such as Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Frank Loesser and Stephen Sondheim, who were among the very few who wrote both the music and the lyrics," recalled Joseph Tirone Jr. Tirone's daughter, Patricia Tirone-Baumlin noted: "My father has been an inspiration in my life. He has always been there for me and I thank him for my lifetime." She added that her dad absolutely hated to "eat late" so much so that he sat down and wrote the following poem: "As I sit here and meditate I have to state I hate to eat late. Some people like to eat at eight but I can't wait. If I should go out on a date with a mate and she will not participate, I would not hesitate to give her the gate. So just in case you came in late, let me reiterate, I hate to eat late." n the year 2010, Tirone and his brothers sold their shoe business and retired. CONDOLENCES Granddaughter Karen Tirone Bryant: "He was such a well-respected presence on Staten Island, and it made me so proud to be his granddaughter. My very first job was at 15 working at Tirone Shoe Store. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to work there. I'll never forget those many summers with him and with our family. I could go on forever about the wonderful memories I have with him." Bishop John O'Hara: "Joe Tirone was a man for all seasons. A very gracious, kind, loving individual whose warmth embraced everyone with whom he came in contact. Whether he was singing in his younger years or welcoming people to Tirone Shoe Store in Port Richmond or in the choir at St. Teresa's Church, he was always the gracious gentleman. He liked to give of himself. Joe was always available right on target when there was a need. He was loved by the parishioners of St. Teresa's. I became pastor in 2000. We had a wonderful relationship. He led a gifted life. But he was a gift to anyone he came in contact with. He truly was a wonderful, wonderful, man. He sang at funerals, 'Softly and sweetly Jesus is calling.' And at the end is 'Come home, come home, come home.' That's a wonderful welcome. And Joe is home now. Staten Island is a richer place because of his presence. We will always treasure the presence of Joe Tirone in our lives." Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon: "The passing of Joe Tirone is a sad milestone marker in the generational changes on Staten Island. All the kids and their families throughout the second half of the last century were part of an annual journey to Tirone's Shoe Store for our school shoes, and sometimes, when budgets allowed, an extra pair for Easter. Dapper, courtly and warm, Joe and his family made choosing, trying on and buying shoes an elegant and memorable experience. As North Shore Councilman I knew him to be a fierce advocate for the community around Port Richmond Avenue and small business proprietors all over the Island. He was gracious, charitable and charismatic; seeing him for so many years with his dear friend Emma Nichol on the fundraising event circuit was a constant reminder of his family's positive and very long impact on our community. Judy and I pray for them and that Joe may rest In peace." In addition to daughters Patricia Tirone-Baumlin and Susan Tirone-Ready and his son Joseph Tirone Jr., Tirone and granddaughter, Karen Tirone Bryant, Tirone is survived by grandchildren, Lauren Tirone, Jaclyn Tirone, Sara Ready and Michael Ready, his companion Emma Nichol, his brother Lou Tirone and his sisters Connie Salamone and Millie Santero. His wife Eleanor died in July 2000 and his brother Sal in 2020. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook. Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. A funeral mass has been set for Monday morning at 10:45 a.m. in St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners. Burial will follow in Moravian Cemetery, New Dorp. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Meals on Wheels of Staten Island at https://www.mealsonwheelsofstatenisland.com/donate/