Interesting obits Tuesday in the morning daily and on Tucson Scene regarding the passing of Tony Giorgianni.
Sure, it’s old news now, but while his restaurant Greasy Tony’s is closed until Giorgianni’s son decides what to do with this establishment close to my … heart, I am putting out a plea now to save the SIGN!
For many of Tucson’s old establishments, it is too late–some signs are busted up, and others are just gone–disappeared or dumped. As I began to think of old business signs, especially those that have historical relevance or a unique design that most new signs just don’t have, I thought about Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry.
When I first visited this museum many years ago, I was impressed that a community has gone out of its way to save almost every aspect of its history, including old business and neon signs.
Maybe it’s just me, but shouldn’t we have started saving these kinds of things awhile ago? Can’t we start saving some now? Is someone out there keeping a bunch of these in their backyard not sure what to do with them?
After reading the obit, I recalled my first time at Greasy Tony’s when I was in sixth-grade and my aunt treated me to a Trash Can. The husband and I also thought about that great classic, Revenge of the Nerds. It was filmed at the UA almost 25 years ago. Remember Booger wearing his Greasy Tony’s T-shirt?
So I leave you with this: Don’t you think the Loft should do a 25-year anniversary screening of this movie with its producer, Booger and those Nerds and Frat Boys as special guests?
This article appears in Jun 5-11, 2008.
Here’s Booger Presley on his mean guitar
And a rap by little ol’ me Lamar
I knew Tony personally, worked for him in Tempe and Tucson Arizona for a few years. He was an interesting man, with some crazy stories of years past. Tony would agree with you, save the sign, it is a part of Tucson’s history. I miss the old man, and I only hope that his son does the right thing with the sign. There is a daughter who is the control of the estate, she is a real ass to deal with, I know this from personal experience….By now they may have sold the property. The University wanted to purchase it for years. I will always and forever love the #39 Steak sandwich. Steve Milner, now living in Hartford CT.
What a dump. Good riddance.
I saved the signs and some letters. It was busted up. People don’t really care. My mom was an extra (teacher). There’s a clip we watch of her every time we see the movie. Broken hearted to see so many signs go; I made it my quest to keep a watchful eye when the place was shutting down. Unfortunately someone was there who broke it and had no concern or relevance for Tucson history. This is what I saved and it will go to Rocco Pizzaguy. My co-worker, friend. We worked together at Grandma Tony’s a Pizza together.
Eleonor Leon
Downtown Banner Artist
Formerly La Fashionista
Couldn’t post a pic.
Mom brought home autographs of Booger, Ted McGuinly, et al. And wonderful stories everyday while she was there.
I
I went to Medical School in Piscataway, and lived in New Brunswick, where I enjoyed a cheese steak from Greasy Tonys [“GTs”] to breakup the monotony of 25 cent Kraft Macaroni & Cheese daily as I loaded trucks for UPS Teamsters local #99 from 11p to 3am most nites. I needed to work at nite to afford my state medical school tuition AND to eat. I have been a physician in L.A. practicing Emergency Medicine (still not perfect, need more practice) 35+ years. Greasy Tonys was a tasty way to afford some meat in my diet. I’m sorry for the commentor paraphrased as “Good Riddance! What a dump.”, GTs had class. I’m sure that GT had class even though, I am guessing he had humble beginnings like myself. As I transition to retirement, I find myself thinking wistfully about the days when I couldn’t afford to eat what I desired. Somehow simpler times that seem like fun, only in retrospect. Yes, I feel guilty about growing up in NJ and having them subsidize my medical education, to move to L.A., CA, but I’m over it. I made no promises to NJ. But, I appreciate where I grew up and find myself returning the appreciation, one NJ resident emergency patient here in L.A., at a time.
“No extra charge for the GREASE ” South River New Jersey in the house of Greasy Tony’s in New Brunswick …after the Clubs closed at 3 am , man you should see the people there at 3 am what a motley crew…. and a Happening place ,,,, my favorite a WHOLE Cheese steak fried onions with mayo UMMM the BEST in the WORLD @@@Rip Tony, .. Knew Jimmy & Monty they were the BEST ,, his kids are sitting on a GOLD Mine
worked for the family in Tempe..John was such a wonderful character!..great memeories!
I worked at the Speedway and 6th street stores in Tucson in 1981 while a student at the UofA. I would like to hear from some of the peeps that also worked there. Tony was nice. I liked him. One of his sons was really cool, and one was a total douche. 32 was my fav. Cant remember the names of the characters from back then, even the red haired lass that worked the speedway store.
I was at U of A ’80-’81 and loved Greasy Tony’s! Carried out from there often. Have not been back to AZ since but always think about Greasy Tony’s. One of my very favorite things about Tucson.