Obituary of Anthony Peter Resciniti

Born on September 2, 1962 in Binghamton, Tony was the much loved fifth child and fourth son of Daniel E. and Mary (Butenko) Resciniti. His grandmother, Lucia Resciniti, founder of Resciniti Dry Cleaners, declared that Tony was "the most beautiful of all" (her then 22 grandchildren) and predicted "he will achieve great things in his life." By design, Tony was a priceless tapestry and a force of nature. He had the clever sense of humor and welcoming nature of his father, his mother's heart of gold, the physical stature of both grandfathers, the love of the dry cleaners like his grandmother Lucia, and the social graciousness of his grandmother Anna, making friends wherever he went. God had His hand on Tony as he was a good and faithful servant. Holding steadfast in the face of adversity, Tony was a happy soul with a heart of goodness. At the age of two, God blessed Tony with a lifelong companion and little brother, Leo. Tragically, both suffered from Dravet's Syndrome, a genetically inherited catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy that begins in infancy and is marked by grand mal seizures, and behavioral and developmental delays. Tony did not mentally develop past the age of three and despite inherent physical and mental limitations; Tony was a natural leader and protector. On a daily basis, he challenged those around him to rise above adversity, never give up, be the best they can be, always do the right thing, and stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. He felt especially protective of his Broome Developmental Center peers Jennifer, Gail, Angie and Hannabird, among others throughout his life in group homes and BDC. Sadly, much of Tony's adult life was spent surviving the unaccountable, smoke and mirrors "Albany Machine" of manipulation and warehousing of the mentally handicapped for political expedience. Along with many others exposed to Albany's institutions, Tony experienced ongoing physical and emotional abuse, injuries and neglect. Only through years of resilient and relentless efforts in taking on the "Albany Machine," by his sister, Dianne, was Tony able to receive some dignity and benefits entitled by law. Where the voices of those who were supposed to be advocates fell silent due to collusion, intimidation or retaliation, Dianne was successful in improving the living conditions of Tony, Leo and an untold number of other residents in group homes and BDC. Always considerate and naturally curious, Tony's polite nature pulled at our heartstrings. He would say Good Morning, no matter what time of day it was, ask what you had for dinner or did you take your medication, do you drink coffee with your cigarettes, what's the hold up, and how is your Mom. In addition to warming our hearts, Tony brought us tears through our laughter. With Captain Kangaroo, Big Bird, and Snuffy as his icons of choice, Tony found happiness in people and the simplicities of life. He enjoyed traveling to the airport to "make the planes come out." He found joy in feeding the squirrels and watering flowers at his sister's house (childhood home). He enjoyed getting his mail at the Bible School Park post office and visiting with Postmaster Nancy, bowling, doing the Hokey Pokey with Momo and saving bottles for Uncle Walter. He loved getting gas with Lonie, Gene and Scott, and wearing the Big Banana costume on Halloween. Food with friends was very important to Tony and he cherished home cooked dinner every night at his sister's house with Leo, Sue's cookies, annual luncheons with his cousin Maria from Italy, regular "coffee breaks" with his cousin Joel, Sunday muffins with his brother Tom, and going out for pizza and wings. He adored his annual birthday party, shared with Leo, where those who loved them gathered to celebrate another year of life and the cake had to be chocolate. Tony's network of friends stretched globally as his sister's friends and colleagues generously spent time chatting and laughing with Tony from various corners of the world. Such friends adored, admired, and regularly prayed for Tony. In addition to enjoying an active social life, Tony was most happy when multitasking: watching Captain Kangaroo on the flat screen, watching the Price is Right on the laptop, 'making oldies tapes' on the boom box, playing cards on the Nook, and Face timing his friends – all at the same time. God brought Tony home on September 22, 2015 to reunite with his father who passed on December 1, 1997 and his mother who passed on May 18, 2010. God had mercy on Tony, taking him quickly and peacefully after a recent diagnosis of lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Many are blessed with much, yet give only out of surplus. Tony was blessed with little, yet gave all that he had. Tony accomplished greatness through the joy he brought all who entered his universe and received "the gift of Tony." "When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun." - Shakespeare Tony was the grandson of Emidio and Lucia (Stamato) Resciniti who immigrated from Roscigno, Italy, and Peter and Anna (Dolouda) Butenko, who were taken from their home in Sitnakova (Krasnokutsk), Ukraine, by the Nazis and survived the Dachau subcamp Schleissheim, from 1942 – 1945. Through his grandparents' strength and fearlessness, Tony had the good fortune to be born in the United States and was a proud American who loved the American flag. Tony leaves behind his beloved siblings Dianne, Daniel (Sonny), Thomas, Paul, and Leo, former brother- in- law, Dr. Ed Zack, sisters-in-law Caran and Sophie, and six nieces and nephews. He is survived by his aunt Elisabeth Resciniti Davis, Butenko aunts and uncles: Nick and Joanne, Walter, Mike and Monika, John and Leslie, Tom and Kathy Doolittle, and twenty-six cousins. He is survived by Olena Sahan, Nadia Fedorchuck, Nancy Garrity, Sue and John Schofield, Bob and Carole Hanyak, Donna, Olga and Marika, all who gave their time and love to Tony as if he were their own son or brother. Dianne would like to especially thank the long-time caretakers who provided loving and exceptional care and served as Tony's extended family: Mary Blogett, Lonie Bogue, Rita Carr, Heather Crunden, Jed DeMarco, Candy Devaney, Scott Fabrizi, Jan Harmon, Christina Hellmann, Laura Horton-Clark, Summer Laris, Erin Lobdell, Paula Millard, Anne Marie Palmer, Frannie Ruston, Angie Shafer, Megan Shady, Felice Saddlemire, Derek Shellhammer, Mona Thompson, Theresa Treadway, John Weaver, Amy Willet, and Gene White. There are many others who are not listed by name from BDC, Taft 1 and around the community who provided care, support and kindness, and those who loved Tony are grateful to have had them in Tony's life. Dianne is indebted to Jane Livermore, RN, who was an ardent and loving advocate during Tony's illness, and Tony's doctors and staff who provided exceptional care and support over the years: Dr. Han Koh, Dr. Nichols, Dr. Weinheimer, Dr. Colas and Dr. Bajwa. Additional gratitude is extended the outstanding Lourdes team of support and spiritual counselors, caregivers, Dr. Blansky, and Broome Oncology. The family asks that Leo will be kept in prayer as he continues his life's journey without Tony as Tony prepares the way for him. Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton on Saturday at 10am. Reverend David C. Seaver and Sister Diane Loutitt will co-officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7pm and Saturday from 9-10am.