Anthony "Tony" C. Tisdell, 72, of Westfield, passed away at home on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, after a brief battle with Covid. He was born and raised in Holyoke, the son of Francis T. and Doris E.(Barthelette) Tisdell and attended both Holyoke High School and the Art Institute of Boston. Tony was employed for many years at the Holyoke Housing Authority. After retiring, he worked as a house painter, explored interior design, and focused on his oil paintings.
Tony is survived by his best friend and wife of 25 years, Donna Sevila-Tisdell with whom he shared countless adventures. He also leaves his stepson, Jeremy Sevila (Emily ), his two cherished granddaughters, Jaide and Skylir Sevila, his favorite sister, Joan Greaney, his niece, Sarah Richter (Kurt), his nephew, Logan Greaney (Kelly) and great nephew, Miller Richter. He also leaves many close and deeply loved friends. Perhaps most important of all, were his "kids" Peanut and Pepper, who were so much more than dogs to him.
Tony truly embraced life and his many passions. He was immensely talented, creating incredible paintings, sculptures, and museum-quality duck decoys, under the guidance of the famed Don Briddell. He possessed a profound appreciation for all types of music and was self-taught on guitar, piano, and drums. He was an avid outdoorsman with a deep respect for wildlife. A skilled bowhunter, he had, in recent years, transitioned to feeding and observing the many creatures that visited his backyard, capturing and enjoying a multitude of images on his trail cameras. He was a true people person, with a quick wit and an opinion on everything, which he was always happy to share. He was a man with very discerning taste and a knack for beautifying the world around him. Clothes shopping, landscaping his yard, sipping good bourbon, cheering on the Celtics and snapping selfies of his handsome and perpetually tanned face were among his favorite pastimes. He will be sincerely missed by all that knew him and his many artistic endeavors will forever be cherished reminders of his beautiful life.
There will be no services. Tony's life and extraordinary talent will be honored at an exhibit of his works at the Summit View, 555 Northampton St, Holyoke, MA 01040 from 12 NOON to 3 PM on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Avalon Life Celebrations & Cremation Services, 691 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077.
To express condolences to the family, to share photos, or memories please visit Anthony's memorial page at www.avaloncelebrations.com
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