After a courageous year-lomg battle with cancer, Tony Urso, who played guitar with ’80s Cleveland punk rockers Starvation Army, as well as wild & crazy ’90s bands Sissy and Backmonkeys, has passed away.
We wrote about a benefit for him at the Grog Shop in February, one of several organized by his many friends in the local music scene to help him and his family — wife Debra and their toddler son.
His passing was no surprise. Less than three weeks ago, he had posted a farewell of sorts on his Facebook page that demonstrated the gracious and generous nature that stands out for so many people when they recall his life.
We hear all kinds of complaints about how annoying, intrusive and time-consuming Facebook is. But it gave Tony the opportunity to communicate with friends and acquaintances — for them to pay their tributes to him while he was still around to hear them and for him to respond and tell them what they meant to him — that would have been impossible before the rise of social networking.
He said,
“The Hospice of Western Reserve has really got it together. I am very comfortable, out of pain, restive, quiet, & strategizing what I may, though , that is not to say that we may sugar-coat things. We will find out, after Monday, therein, and what chances may be realized, and they are likely, limited, and ,again, frightening. we don’t know how long. Your thoughts, dear friends, and those of hundreds of other dear friends, near and far, resound in me, with a will, and a love that amplifies and echoes I hope, to the hearts and souls of my beloved wife and progeny. Thank You for all you have felt, and done. You have helped make my life an amazing gift. And I love you all.”
Photo: Tony Urso with Sissy