Anthony Palladeno Jr.

PALLADENO, ANTHONY JR- The Man… The Myth… The Legend- Anthony "Tony" Palladeno Jr., "the original Flintstone and Water Warrior'', age 60, passed away on January 10th, 2022 at Hurley Medical Center with his wife and son by his side. Funeral Services will be held 12PM Saturday January 22 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Pastor Gene Warren officiating. Visitation will be held 11-2 and 4-8 Pm Friday and 10AM Saturday until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make contributions to the family c/o Sharp Funeral Homes. Anthony was born September 16th, 1961 in Fenton, the son of Anthony Palladeno Sr. and Leah (Lovegrove) Palladeno. Tony resided on the east side of Flint graduating from Flint Central in 1979.

Tony spent more than twenty years working for the Flint Journal. (Specifically, 24 years, missed 2 days, got fired anyway)

Tony married his beloved wife, Leah Nix, on July 15th, 1989 and where there was one, there was another. Their marriage was the epitome of true love and partnership. If you didn’t know Tony Palladeno personally, it’s likely you’ve seen him or heard him and in some direct or indirect way he had an impact on your life. As one of the most prolific frontliners of the Flint Water Crisis, Tony’s heart and soul was the City of Flint and its residents. From the KLEAN program to the Genesee County Landbank to the water crisis, Tony was always authentically advocating for what he believed was right and was in the best interest of the city he loved. He had a thirst for justice. Under that gruff exterior was a heart larger than life itself. Tony had a way of being firm without being disrespectful and being loud but soft spoken. You wouldn't always agree with Tony, nor would he always agree with you; he never turned down a respectful discussion. When Tony wasn’t advocating for the city he loved, he was a family man, spending his time on the Alcona Pond and AuSable River- fishing, hunting, tubing, and just enjoying being one with nature and the earth enjoying the sounds of classic rock with family and friends who became family (Lori and Larry Barnes and kids). Tony will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 32 years, Leah Palladeno, his son Anthony III and his beloved grandchildren, Ky’Leah and Ripkyn along with his four legged friend, Brodie. He is also survived by sister, Diane Haubenstricker (Mike), sister, Brenda Palladeno, and brother, Eddie Palladeno (Melissa) as well as many nieces and nephews and countless special friends. Tony was preceded in death by both parents and sisters Donna Wilson and Debbie Palladeno. Tony would always say, "you can shut us off, but you won’t shut us up." His voice, vision and impact will be everlasting, being felt for years and years to come. Tony was truly a stranger to none and a friend to all.

Rest easy, fat and greasy.

Peace from the East.