Terrible news...Tony

[EvilMel]

Tony's best friend Dave asked me to post here to let everyone know.

Friday morning, Tony went for physical therapy at which he fainted and could not be revived. I'm very sad to say that he passed away. The doctors are unsure as to the cause but he had recently stepped on a rusty nail that had gotten lodged in his foot (for at least a week). They said that they do not believe the infection is the reason so everything remains a mystery.

I am pretty upset about this as I considered Tony a friend. He was a total goofball and definitely enjoyed life.

He would want to be remembered for the good times. Of course having worked with him at CR, he used to crack me up constantly.

There's not going to be a funeral because he wanted to be cremated.

Anyway, Dave wanted you guys to know and I agree that it's important enough to warrant a post on this forum.

 

[planejane]

I only met Tony a couple of times but immediately liked him. My sincerest sympathies for his family and friends.
Thanks for letting us know Mel.

 

[digidana]

oh no, how awful! i'm so so sorry to hear that. it really makes you think.

 

[macclellan]

That is terrible news! I only met him a few times trading corals and in CR, but he was an instantly likable guy & a small piece of what's good in the world left with him.

 

[omreardon]

No! I only met him a couple of times but he was very nice to me and a knowledgeable guy. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

 

[TriMax]

Very sad.

 

[Flavum]

Tony Was a great guy, Hate to hear this.

 

[darkdruid]

Hello.. this is Tony's wife, Paula. Thank you so much for posting about Tony for us Mel. I really appreciate it. Here is a little more information... I am copying what I have posted on another site.

I know this is just the basics.. but I lost Tony last Friday. He had been in the hospital for several days due to an injury to his foot when he developed a blood clot that went into his lungs. He died quickly and without pain. I am told his final words and thoughts were for me, and for our son. I will miss him more than words can say.
Brandon and I are alright. I am still just numb, and waiting for him to call me... to walk in the door.. anything. Please keep us in prayer.

Here is the obituary that we put together for the local paper.

<b>Anthony Daniel 'Tony' Pruitt, 48, of Harrison, TN, died Friday, May 21, 2010, in St. Mary's Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Jefferson City, Tennessee.

Born October 19, 1961, in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of Bill D. and Dayle Pruitt. With over thirty years experience, Tony enjoyed maintaining aquariums, raising and propagating salt water corals; as well as building and maintaining computers, fishing and bow-hunting.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Survivors include his wife, Paula Pruitt, Oak Ridge; his son, Brandon T.N. Pruitt, Oak Ridge; his mother; Dayle Pruitt, Harrison, TN; his brother, Tracy Pruitt, Harrison, TN; his sister, Christy Blake, Knoxville; a large and loving family, and many wonderful friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at noon Saturday, May 29, at B.P.O.E. Elks Club, 684 Emory Valley Road, Oak Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Rick Hasbrouck, 117 Andover Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
</b>

Tony loved this site. He spent hours reading the messages, and posting. Thank you all for giving him so much enjoyment.

Paula Pruitt

 

[darkdruid]

I cannot believe I forgot to post this! Tony's best friend, David, has managed to contact the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. We are donating all of Tony's corals and fish to them. They will be picking them up this week I believe, and putting up a memorial plaque for him in the aquarium. Tony loved to go there, and I really think he would be thrilled. This way I do not have to agonize over selling this or that.. or worry about killing it all off because I know I could not keep them alive and thriving as he would. =]

 

[cee]

I cannot believe I forgot to post this! Tony's best friend, David, has managed to contact the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga. We are donating all of Tony's corals and fish to them. They will be picking them up this week I believe, and putting up a memorial plaque for him in the aquarium. Tony loved to go there, and I really think he would be thrilled. This way I do not have to agonize over selling this or that.. or worry about killing it all off because I know I could not keep them alive and thriving as he would. =]

I did not know your husband but he sounds like a person I would have enjoyed sharing the hobby with. I think donating his collection is a wonderful gesture and hopefully his memory can live on through displaying his passion for all to see. Leg and foot bone breaks can be dangerous, I barely survived a tibia break in a cave that developed into a fatty embolism in my heart, lungs, and brain. I am very sorry for your loss.

Dave

 

[wgood33]

Paula,
So sorry for your loss, Tony sounds like a great guy! I too recently lost a close family member, 8 months ago now. This is such a tough time for you and just wanted to send a note after reading the post. Getting some council helps, this grief process is a cycle and it's good to know what to expect. I suggest no major life decisions (changes) for awhile. Bill in CA

 

[dread240]

my most sincere sympathies are with you and your family. It's always painful to lose loved ones, but thankfully they'll always be there looking over you.

 

[shirley386]

Paula;

I too am one who did not know Tony. That matters not because the real issue is the ones who did know him and will now have to go forward in his absence. A loss such as this is never easy to bear. As others have suggested don't try to make any major changes until you have cycled through your grief. Sometimes it takes events like this to ultimately strengthen us. We learn and gain wisdom from dealing with the bad things that happen to us, not the good things. My thoughts go out on behalf of you and your son. Now is a time when you can seek for things that you may have never thought about before.

 

[fishdoc11]

I can't say or express how sorry I am for you, your son and the rest of your family Paula. Good luck and God bless.

Chris