SMART mourns the passing of our Local 73 (Chicago, Ill.) brother Anthony “Tony” Scavone, who left us on July 7, 2025. Tony retired on December 31, 2024, after a remarkable career that touched the lives of so many in our union and beyond.
Tony began his journey working with the tools, where he built not only his craft but also his deep commitment to his fellow members. He later served 11 years as a Local 73 organizer, business representative and recording secretary before stepping into a broader role with the International, where he spent 17 years as an organizer and as Region II organizing director. In that role, his jurisdiction stretched from Illinois and Nebraska all the way to the Gulf Coast, and his work left a lasting mark in every corner of that region.
Throughout his decades of service, Tony never stopped fighting for working people. He led organizing campaigns across the United States, strengthening SMART for generations to come. But perhaps his greatest legacy was the time he devoted to mentoring others — patiently sharing his experience, knowledge and strategies with organizers across the International and our local unions. The leaders he guided and the lessons he passed on will carry forward his spirit, knowledge and dedication long into the future.
For those who knew him personally, Tony was more than a labor leader. He was a trusted friend, a steady presence and a source of laughter and encouragement. His sharp wit, his warmth and his ability to connect with anyone made him beloved across our union and throughout North America. Tony embodied the best of what it means to be union: solidarity, unity and a deep love for his brothers and sisters.
He leaves behind his wife, Donna, and his children, Roxanne Bastian (Kyle), Nina Scavone and Anthony R. Scavone III; his mother, Rosemary Scavone; and his siblings, Ralph Scavone (Sarina), Julie Petschenko (Mike) and Rosemary Terranova (Peter).
He will be dearly missed, but his impact on the members, the labor movement, and his legacy will never fade.
Related News
- 2025 Labor Day Message from SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson
- “Organizing is our lifeblood:” Benson details the role every member plays in strengthening SMART
- Education Department hosts class on so-called “right to work” to boost member engagement, organizing
- Delegates commence Third SMART General Convention: “Challenge Met – But We’re Not Done.”
- California High-Speed Rail Authority pledges to use unionized labor
- Arizona chip plant megaprojects create hundreds of jobs for sheet metal workers
- Daughter of retired member talks about why unions matter in essay