(WSB photo of Tony, from January 2010, as he prepared to reopen the market post-holidays)
We have just received word that Tony Genzale, longtime operator of Tony’s Market in Westwood, has died. He had fought a long battle against cancer. From his niece Renee Vacca:
As a former West Seattle resident myself, I know how many people loved to shop from him and have known of his battle with cancer this past couple of years. We are so sorry to inform them that he passed last night at his home of many years in Burien. I’m sure they would want to know that he passed peacefully with his wife in his arms and both of his children at his side. He was doing so well until the last couple of months and then his cancer took a dramatic turn and his condition worsened rapidly. Needless to say, we are still a bit in shock but please know that he was ready to go and his family had come to terms with this before he passed.
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Arrangements are currently being made and the family will post service announcements on the website we set up for him with caringbridge.org. At their website, enter “anthonygenzale” in the “visiting” section of the homepage and read the updates. For anyone that would like to help, please post a comment for the family and share your feelings for uncle Tony as I know how loved he was. Don’t forget that his son Joey is running the tree lot and would love to hear your kind words about his dad. He has been there every day and even worked there all day today.Â
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I know that he got up every day and put his work boots on to go see the customers that he loved so much! You all gave him a purpose and he told me many times, “Renee’, West Seattle is the best!! and he meant it with all his heart. I always said, “told ya so!”  Please tell all your friends that this would be a great place to buy a tree in uncle Tony’s honor and display it proudly! He loved those selling Christmas trees every year!
Tony Genzale was 61. Here’s a direct link to the webpage that Reneé mentioned.
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