We deeply regret to inform you that one of our beloved IT colleagues, Tony Paxton, passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday Oct 28th 2008.
Tony gave a great deal. He worked diligently and successfully in inspiring young people to pursue science and engineering through his selfless work with the non-profit FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology) in the NYC and NJ region.
Beyond his tremendous dedication to the local community, Tony also contributed to rebuilding efforts all over the world, including in Sri Lanka and the U.S. Gulf Coast. His volunteer work clearly demonstrated his passion for helping others and his commitment to making an impact on the world around him.
He is survived by his wife, and 3 children. Our condolences and thoughts go out to Tony’s loved ones at this time.
I heard about this terrible news last weekend during the Rah Cha Cha Ruckus from Roy Menton.
I cannot believe that he is gone like that. What a horrible tragedy. My condolences to his family.
It was an accident at home.
From what I was told he was working on his lawnmower in the garage and it was pretty cold outside and he had the garage door closed and died from Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Ok, I’m sorry Koko but as simple as that is to believe I just don’t believe it b/c he always stressed safety :(. I mean who can forget his Hard Hat painted Zebra striped for when he Reffed at events…
idk it’s just too weird to hear someone I actually talked to in the FIRST community pass away
I can corroborate the story shared by Ed as well. It was a tragic unfortunate accident.
The big guy was a pillar of the NYC Regional Planning Committee. He got FIRST and always had the experience of the students as his #1 priority. I had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him over the past couple of years and always found him to be a figure to aspire to.
In 2006, the Regional Planning Committee asked if I would run a team social for the kids. Tony asked what I would need to do it. I told him the amount and he said we’ll do what it takes for the students. So the day comes and we planned on rolling in countless boxes of pizza, snacks, and drinks for the kids and put on some other entertainment. Before I sent the troops out for final pickup, Tony handed me an envelope filled with cash. He told me that Credit Suisse was proud to have contributed to the enjoyment of the FIRST participants.
There was something about the way he made the statement and the personal joy that I saw on his face when we had the largest turnout for a social in the NY Regional’s history that leaves me convinced that Credit Suisse never saw the bill. I’m 99% sure Tony paid for it out of his own pocket.
Tony was selfless. Tony was humble. Tony had great vision for what FIRST brought to the NY schools and students. Tony was an inspiration to many of us. Tony played a pivotal role in moving the NY Regional to the Javitz center to have a grand stage for the event and have room to put on a celebration of Science, Technology, Competition, and Education. The NY Regional will be dedicated in honor to Tony Paxton this year. We will miss the big guy. Please join us for the celebration of Tony’s life and Tony’s dreams this year.
I couldn’t agree more. I only met Tony a couple of times, refereeing with him at the NJ regional. But that was enough to remember him forever. His passion for FIRST was unequivocal.
