By Barb Van Atta
It is with sincere regret that BAMirror reports the passing of well-know local soprano Mary Jo Anthony. Anthony died Sunday, April 3, of a massive heart attack, according to her close friend David Bower.
In the 1960s and ’70s, Anthony was a leading soprano with Tri-Cities Opera. She later performed with both Opera Cabaret of Endicott and her own company, Tri-Cities Troubadours.
Anthony, 70, of Endicott, was predeceased by her husband and fellow TCO performer, Leo O’Leary. She leaves no survivors.
Burial is set for 10 a.m. Monday at Vestal Hills Memorial Cemetery (lot 589, space 4, east row); those attending should meet in the office parking lot a bit before 10 a.m. No formal service is planned, but anyone attending will be welcome to speak, Bower said, adding, “I think she would like to be remembered for having helped so many people in their lives. Anybody with a problem could always call her for guidance, be it with music or the everyday rigors of life.” There is a possibility of a memorial event at a later time. If you are interested in participating, call Bower at 239-6463 or email him at essene@stny.rr.com.
Friends, fellow performers and her decades of audience members are encouraged to share their memories of Anthony through this blog. Remember: You no longer need to register for WordPress to leave a comment.
