Obituary of Anthony Lawrence Ariola

Anthony Lawrence Ariola (also known as Tony Tamburreeno) was born in St. Paul, on October 10, 1949 and died October 16th, 2023. He is survived by Lisa (Rich) Engelstad, Katie (Jon) Wasrud, Emily (Dan) Waskow, Sophia Ariola and grandchildren Benjamin, Jacob, Hadley, Haley, and Brayden. He is also survived by his brother Jim (Barb) Ariola,  sisters Grace Moody and Louise Kappel, sister-in-law Dorothy Ariola, brother-in-law Rick Maki, and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary Ariola, baby daughter Gina Ariola, sisters Mae Vaught and Alice Maki, brother Carmen (Jack) Ariola, brother-in-laws George Stalock, Frank Moody, Everett (Sook) Vaught and Jack Kappel, niece Carol Fleetham, nephew Fred Moody, great-nephew Jack Ariola and son-in-law Noi Maudi.

Tony was a Navy Veteran and that was something he was very proud of. His most recent residence hung up photos of all veteran residents there. He was incredibly proud to be represented and to share space with those in his community who gave for their country as he did. 

Prior to his retirement, he worked at Gillette Company (eventually purchased by Diamond Products), as an Oiler Man, as he would say. Tony valued family so much. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and the rest of his family and treating us all to life’s treats - Oreo Blizzards were his favorite. Throughout his life, he loved getting outside, cruising around, sitting by the river, fishing, taking river boat rides, going to the casino, dancing, listening to music, and playing the tambourine. Tony had a musical gift and could play music by ear, picking up countless instruments and managing to create some sort of a melody with just a few minutes of exploration, one of his many amazing talents. This passion of playing the tambourine was witnessed by many, and often, at Mancinis’ with some of the musicians who he befriended. The energy and light he and his tambourine contributed were not limited to Mancini’s, he brought that tambourine to as many music events as he had time for. He kept it ready to go in his van, just in case. 

Tony will be so deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, family and friends. There are no words to describe quite how much. His memory will live on in us, and be nothing short of a blessing. May his memory be a blessing to all. 

Services will be held Monday, October 23rd, 2023 with visitation from 9-11 am at Sandberg Funeral Home (2593 7th Avenue East, North St. Paul, MN 55109).  The service to honor Tony’s life will begin at 11:00 am. Processional will begin at 1:00 pm to St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in St. Paul Park (920 Hastings Avenue, St. Paul Park, MN 55071).