Anthony M. ‘Tony Pots & Pans’ Maschino, 3

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Anthony Martin Maschino, 3, of Pittsfield passed away after a two-month battle with an aggressive brainstem glioma, a rare childhood cancer, on Friday, December 9, 2016, at home in the arms of his loving parents. 

Born on October 1, 2013 in Pittsfield, he was the youngest son of Shawn and Stephanie Jester Maschino. 

Anthony, who went by "Tony" and was known to many as "Tony Pots & Pans,” will be remembered for his big beautiful blue eyes, silly sense of humor, stellar dance moves, and caring heart. He was always full of compliments and wanted to make people happy. 

Tony loved super heroes, especially Batman and Hulk, the Minions movie, playing with cars and trucks, dancing, making music, air hockey, visiting local airports and playgrounds, picking his nose, and dressing up as his favorite characters. 

Throughout his final weeks the community rallied around him and his family to bring smiles to his face, such as special visits and support from the Pittsfield Police Department and Pittsfield Fire Department, including being named an honorary firefighter. 

In addition to his beloved parents, Tony is survived by his brother, Samuel Maschino; his sister, Leanne Maschino; his grandparents, Suzanne Jester, Mark and Christine Jester, Janine Maschino and Martin Maschino; his aunt and uncle Melanie and Nicholas Bugliari; his cousins, Sophia, Norah and Benjamin Bugliari; and a large group of extended family and friends. 

The Maschino family wishes to extend a very appreciative thank you to everyone at Hospice Care in The Berkshires for their loving care and support.

Funeral notice: A Celebration of Life for Tony will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield on South Street, conducted by the Rev. Rich Hayes, chaplain at Hospice Care in the Berkshires and the Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross, pastor of First Baptist Church. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours.

Throughout his fight with cancer Tony was never one to want people to be sad. He often asked his family not to cry around him. Based on Tony's wishes, his service will be informal and everyone that attends is welcome to dress up as super heroes or other kid-friendly characters.

Memorial donations in memory of Tony may be made to Hospice Care in The Berkshires or to Give Kids The World Village both in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.