Anthony "Tony" Fuzek, 90, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Stillwater Nursing Home, in Greenville.
Tony had but two real "goals" in life. FIRST, from childhood, playing sandlot baseball, continuing through his entire school years, playing on teams, he always wanted (as many boys did) to be a "pro". After graduating from Cranston High School, he and a couple of school pals signed up for the Military (wanting to be Marines, but the wait list was too long, they instead opted for the US Air Force.) Tony loved the military life, and then began playing ball on the base teams, always as a catcher.
Finally based at Ramey AFB, in Puerto Rico, their team traveled to Cuba, Dominican Republic. The sport was a form of morale boosting activity for the "boys from home". Of course, they were, regardless of their location, protecting our country, doing their actual jobs. Just being at THAT base in those Cold War years was always a threat even though not considered "active duty".
His tour over, he auditioned with the Red Sox scout - who asked him, ''Where were you 4 years ago"? Tony's remark- "Defending our country." He said, "It's too bad. You're too old now." (He was 23.) Disappointed, with hopes dashed - on to ordinary life jobs. He DID remain involved in whatever way possible-with nearly every workplace's own teams. If not playing, coaching (even ladies' teams).
Years passed; he then discovered the local over (whatever age) softball teams. A town group of guys met and stayed together as players and friends all their mid-life through senior years sharing the sport, the friendships, the camaraderie (and being trophy winners doing so!) They were happy "boys of summer". Age took its toll (for Tony, the repair and replacement of body parts). He was disappointed when it became impossible to participate. A joy, however, was attending the Boston Red Sox Fantasy Camp with some of the stars and chosen MVP for a game. Another was batting against pitcher Rollie Fingers at McCoy Stadium. He actually played with the PROS!
After a sunny day meeting and relatively short courtship, he married Dianne Underwood. For 65 years & 8 months, they lived and loved each other, very few times ever apart for more than hours. Because they were total opposites, one would wonder how? People can blend, mold to fit each other perfectly. This was true. Tony loved his baseball, enjoyed, and lived politics & had heroes (Ted Williams, John Wayne, etc.) Dianne was an avid musical theater fan, making Tony realize that there was room for more "culture" in life and he began to additionally enjoy a different phase of entertainment/enrichment. Being season subscribers to multiple theaters for 40 years was Tony's favorite Musical "Les Misérables" having seen it 28 times. "Stars" was HIS song. Dianne & Tony shared, through the years too many, "adventures" to count - small, to great - each special. The appreciation of wildlife became important in many ways, making for a well-rounded life.
The SECOND goal was to live to be 100. He gave it a good try.
Tony is survived by Dianne, 3 children, 3 grandchildren and Ringo & Maizie & members of his bonus family.
A visitation will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, from 3-6pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, RT 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to any charity supporting animals.