Anthony P. Balsamo

Anthony (Tony) Balsamo passed away at his Onalaska home on September 1, 2014 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Madison, WI, to Pasquale and Maria Balsamo. He was a 1963 graduate of Madison Central High School. Tony was an accomplished athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Tony upon graduation from high school, but he decided his place was home with his mother, as his father had passed away in 1959. Tony’s genuine care for others and his vibrant, joyful personality made him a wonderful salesman. He sold men’s clothing for the Hub in Madison, sold men’s clothing on the road, and sold liquor and wine for Gateco and Quillin’s. Tony was the proprietor of Mr. T’s Airport Lounge from 1978-1990 at the La Crosse Municipal Airport. Tony owned La Crosse Dance Centre with his wife Colleen from 1984 until his passing, and owned Vinny’s Runway at the La Crosse Regional Airport with his son Jason from 2004 until his passing. In 1974, Tony married the love of his life, Colleen (Gallagher). They had two children, Nikki Balsamo and Jason “Vinny” Balsamo, both of Onalaska. Tony was a loving, sensitive, compassionate husband, father, grandpa, father-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He had the innate ability to find the person or people in the room who needed an injection of joy and gravitate to them, bringing a joke and a contagious smile. Tony spent many hours volunteering with the Special Olympics, and was an avid Badger, Packer, Brewer, and La Crosse Dance Centre fan. His family, friends, and most anyone who was lucky enough to know him will miss him immensely.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, daughter-in-law Erin (Gollnik) Balsamo, and the light of his life, his granddaughter, Giana Balsamo. He is expecting another grandchild in October. He is also survived by a large extended family, all of whom he loved very much. His father and mother, sister Pauline La Breche, brother Joseph Balsamo, nephew Jimmy La Breche, niece Jeanie Becker, and great-nephew Kevin Severson preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial will be in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of Onalaska, 907 Sand Lake Road, on Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred