Tony Neil Gladwell, 71, died Sunday, March 13, 2016, at his home in Middlesex. A lifelong area resident, Tony was the son of Raymond and Veta Arline (Clemens) Gladwell. He was an eternal optimist, always seeing the positive in people and situations. Known for singing a song, "I can laugh when things ain't funny," Tony always kept his spirits and the spirits of others up. He was a professional musician -- a bass player, lead and tenor, who made sure to have a pick on hand in case the chance to entertain people presented itself. Known for his yodeling, "Tony Baloney" was always the loudest and brightest spot in the room, but those who knew him say he made them feel like a star. He was the owner of Pat's Café in Bound Brook for 13 years and then of Pizza & Pasta in Manville and Piscataway for 18 years, where he introduced the 1st wood-fired pizza oven on the east coast and innovated Italian cuisine. Tony retired in 2001, and then worked at the AMC Theatre in Bridgewater as a greeter, where he quickly and affectionately was given the nickname, "Blue" by his youthful colleagues. Tony was his grandchildren's #1 fan at all of their sporting events, and was embraced by each football, cheer, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, softball, track, hockey and dance team, who all called him "Grampsie," and their lucky charm. Tony was a 50 Gallon Blood and Platelet Doner at Somerset Medical Center. He was a member of Council 12700, Knights of Columbus, Elks and Lions of Middlesex, and a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Virgin in Middlesex. Big T was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. His mantra was "Family is the most important thing." Tony met his wife while playing music and spotted her sitting in the window. Shortly after Alexandria became his #1 fan, they married, and then had 5 children and 13 grandchildren together, and were celebrating 50 years of marriage this month. He NEVER missed a chance to say "I love you" and hug you.

Tony was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Gary and Ray Gladwell, sisters, Mona Saltzman and Shirley Rose, and in-laws, Mary (Mom-Mom) and Pat Mangino. He is survived by his beloved wife, Alexandria (Mangino), his children, Patty (Kevin) Levonaitis of Hillsborough; Melanie Gladwell of Bedminster; TJ Gladwell of Paris TN; Allison (Courtney) Lant of Sewell; Cindy (Wes) Lant of Martinsville; his grandchildren, Stefani, Scot, Samantha, Rachael, and Sean Levonaitis; Alexa, Ryan, and Serena Gladwell, Charlie and Patch Lant, and Twyla, James, and Gisele Lant; his brothers, Arlie (Lorna), Floyd (Mary), and Sam (June) Gladwell, sister, Joyce (Richard) Burnett, and sister in law, Rosie Gladwell.

Called "Toner" by those closest to him, he relished in the positive and encouraged all to do the same. Tony embraced living life fully. He would want his life to be celebrated, jokes to be cracked and fun times to be had, with very few tears. Said more times than can be counted, our dear Toner would tell you that "Too many people die in bed," so wake up early, live loudly, be positive, get it done, and generously give out "I love you's," with lots of hugs and kisses.

Funeral services will begin 8:45 A.M. Friday, March 18, at Hagan - Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Ave., Bound Brook, followed by a 9:30 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Middlesex. Burial will be at St. Peter the Apostle Cemetery, New Brunswick. Friends will be received at the funeral home, Thursday, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Robert Wood Johnson, Somerset Campus Blood Bank, 110 Rehill Ave. Somerville, NJ 08876. Tony's favorite colors were green and burnt orange so please feel comfortable to celebrate his life in a "Happy Go Lucky" way.
Published in Courier News on Mar. 16, 2016