Obituary of Anthony D. Lanzi

Anthony D. Lanzi, 75, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023. Born in Syracuse on May 30, 1947, He was the son of the late Frances Lena Lanzi.

He was a 1965 graduate of Rome Free Academy.  Four years later he received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kent State University.  He also did graduate work at Utica College and Syracuse University.

''Tony'' came back to Rome and entered his first classroom as a substitute English Teacher in September of 1969 at Strough Jr. High School and it changed his life! He later taught at Gansevoort Elementary, Lake Delta Elementary, DeWitt Clinton Elementary (where he stayed for 31 years until its closing), Francis Bellamy Elementary, and Staley Middle School. After a career of 40 years, he retired in June 2009. Tony's motto for his students was: ''YES, I CAN!''

Teaching and directing students in two centuries, he used the performing arts and theater in the classroom. He produced 36 plays and over 30 Medieval Fairs with his 6th grade students.
Known for his over the top ''Theme Days," including activities such as  ''Emailing Monks Around the World," learning always included performing, decorating and an amazing number of balloons! Dress-Up Days and making life-sized Egyptian mummies were memorable annual events. In 1982 he began taking his classes to Broadway, where his students not only saw musicals, but also met cast members after the shows.

He became the Rome Rotary Club's first ''Teacher of the Year'' in 1987. He was in Who's Who Among Young American Professionals in 1988 and in Who's Who Among American Teachers in 1989. He received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from Staley Middle School in 2005 for ''exemplifying the teachings of Dr. King." Tony served as the first Public Relations Director of the Rome Teachers Association in the 1980's, and is also a member of the New York State United Teachers and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute- celebrating his 10th year as a cancer survivor.

Tony was proud of the accomplishments and successes of ALL his students. 

Tony had a strong faith and was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Church. His contributions were many. He was an usher, photographer and excelled in advertising and capturing all the special moments at St. John's.

Tony is survived by three God children, Mark Lanzi (Denise), Todd Lanzi (Robin) and Brogan Lanzi, his Aunt Shirley Lanzi, cousins Adrian and Marie Lanzi, David Lanzi and Debbie Lanzi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Church with Father Paul Angelicchio officiating. Interment will take place in St. John's Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

Donations can be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick Street, Rome, NY 13440.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY.

You may light a candle and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.