Chris Walpole, a former baseball teammate and friend who graduated from St. Ray's alongside Tony Iurilli in 1986, shares the eulogy he delivered during Iurilli's memorial service:
The passing of Tony Iurilli is truly a monumental loss, not only for the St. Raymond's community, students, teammates and friends, but for our world.
As a friend and former teammate, I will always remember and value his kindness, loyalty and quiet strength. For those who didn't know him during his playing days, Tony was a truly gifted player and hard worker who lived to compete and better himself as an athlete. He was the smoothest and most dependable fielder on some of the rockiest Bronx infields ever created.
His quiet persona revealed very little about his mental toughness and competitiveness and desire to kick the other team's (butt), but these all burned intensely. Some of the funniest moments were when Tony would chirp at an opposing player, because it was so out of character for him. Everybody would be amazed and also know that Tony would not make an out for the rest of the game.
His stance was the same from freshman year of high school, throughout his years at Pace and beyond. Always with a confident sway he'd step in with his back foot, then in with the left, tap his toes on the ground as he locked in and finally giving one or two quick half swings with the bat's top pointing out at his foe. More times than not, the ensuing pitch would be ripped on a line going back the other way.
As formidible as his talents were on the baseball field, they paled in comparison to his ability to place others before himself and in his service toward others. When players or friends were going out after games, Tony was going home to his brothers and sister to make sure that homework was done or that everyone had eaten. His devotion to them was unwavering and unconditional.
As a teacher, coach and administrator, he exhibited those same values. He would calmly and confidently deliver a life lesson, a better athletic technique or a more effective way in delivering instruction. He was the ultimate giver in a time of takers.
Today, there is much debate as to who is a role model and who is not. If one wishes to look for a person to model themselves after or be inspired by, look no further than to Tony. He gave every day and asked for nothing.
The cruel disease that took him can never take his spirit, his caring or his dedication. Let's always remember his toughness, his smile, his smooth play and selflessness. Let's remember all the great things he was about and use them everyday in our own lives in order to ensure that he carries on.
Thanks, Tony! You will be missed.
