ATHENS, Ohio — The owner of Tony’s Tavern, Anthony “Tony” Sylvester, was a beloved fixture of the Athens community. Hundreds of former and current Tony’s patrons and employees attended his celebration of life at the Athens Armory on what would’ve been his 74th birthday, on Sunday, April 12. A jazz funeral procession down Court Street followed, culminating at Tony’s Tavern, at 7 W. State St.
A video of the parade from the Athens Armory to Tony’s Tavern. Video by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.LA Bob Vazzano speaks to the crowd about his former boss and friend. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.Hundreds of current and former Athens County residents packed into the Armory for Tony Sylvester’s celebration of life. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.Tony’s son, Anthony, gives the concluding remarks at the Athens Armory. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.The crowd at Tony Sylvester’s funeral took over Court Street to honor their friend. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.Tony’s Tavern was an important gathering site for the jazz community in Athens. Numerous jazz musicians showed up to honor Tony Sylvester. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.Tony Sylvester’s wife, Cheryl, marches in the parade with her son Anthony, and grandson, Deckard. Photo by Eric Boll. April 12, 2026.
Note: This article has been updated to reflect that the event was a celebration of life.
