Cheers to the man who was an instant friend to all he met; who lived his life his own way, inspired by Frank Sinatra’s song “I Did It My Way”: I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway, And more, much more than this, I did it my way.
Anthony Joseph Cherico, age 71, of Imperial, PA, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Erie, PA, on Jan. 11, 1951, to the late Anthony L. and Anne Cherico. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years Paulette (Pizzo) Cherico; his daughters Kristin (Tom) Burke, Stephanie (Clint) Oramas; his son Anthony D. (Jess) Cherico; his grandchildren Tommy (Marissa) Burke, Gabby (Carlos) Burke, Anthony W. (AJ) Cherico, and Caden Cherico; his great-grandson Carlos Anthony Sanchez. Also survived by his granddogs Chloe, Gino, Anthony, Sophia, Juju, Bleu, and Lola. Survived by his brothers Charles (Cheryl) Cherico, Dave (Barb) Cherico of Erie, PA,; his loving sisters-in-law Maria (Steve) Potthoff, and Pam (Geoff) Reingold. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Frank Pizzo.
He was blessed with a large and loving family that included many nieces and nephews that he loved to spend time with: Tiffany (Eddie) Ruffenach (Angelina, Damon), Vinny (Melissa) Cherico (Enzo, Marco and Nina), Angie Potthoff (Ellie), Jenny (Tom) Potthoff (Sammy and Jianna, Stephen (Tifni) Potthoff, Christopher Adelhardt, Zach (Meghan) Adelhardt (Isabelle and Meredith), and Nick Sutto.
Tony was a 1969 graduate of Strong Vincent High School in Erie, PA, where he was a punter on the football team. His career choice followed his passion for fine wine and spirits at E&J Gallo. Before retirement he truly enjoyed a good glass of cabernet paired with a great cigar while sitting on his deck or lounging by the pool at Kristin’s house with Stephanie & Tom.
Tony love sports, football and baseball, was an avid fan of Alabama Crimson Tide and N.Y. Yankees, and loved to golf with family and friends. He loved coaching his son in youth West Allegheny football and baseball.
Although he enjoyed all of this, his greatest enjoyment came when he was surrounded by his family.
Tony was always punctual and made it a priority to arrive hours early before any event his grandchildren were participating in. His final act of punctuality was to arrive in heaven early to save his family a seat.
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