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« Wickford Gourmet shutters its doors | Today | Tonight: Celtic Woman's final Providence performance » March 12, 2008Update: Tony Marcella, former aide to Kennedys, diesTony Marcella, a longtime Democratic Party figure who served a father and son from the Kennedy dynasty, had a hand in congressional redistricting and managed a newcomer's secretary of state campaign, died last night. He was 43. "Tony was always at the center of Rhode Island politics," U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D-Rhode Island, said in a statement today, "working behind the scenes on my campaigns and for Democrats around Rhode Island, always staying steps ahead of the issue of the day. "Politics was truly in his blood and he loved every detail.” Kennedy added that "it is with a heavy heart that I bid goodbye to my dear friend" and offered his sympathies to Marcella's parents, Angela and Anthony Sr., and his sister, Kim, and brother-in-law, Chris, "who have stayed by his side throughout his lengthy illness. Tony will be sorely missed by me, my family and all his many friends he spent time with over the years.” Marcella died from complications from ALS, according to Robin Costello, press secretary for Kennedy. Calling hours are Friday 4 to 8 p.m. at Frederick Cafasso & Sons, 65 Clark St., Everett, Mass. A funeral service will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 487-489 Broadway, Everett, Mass. Marcella served as a staffer for Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and later became Patrick Kennedy's chief. After leaving Kennedy's staff, Marcella and another former Kennedy staffer, Rick McAuliffe, started Mayforth Group. In 2006, Marcella managed Guillaume de Ramel's failed bid for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state, losing to A. Ralph Mollis. In the 2000s, Marcella served for a time as executive assistant to Rhode Island House Majority Leader Gordon Fox. In a statement today, Fox said Marcella's political instincts were "second to none." "But what I will always remember the most about Tony was his ability to laugh and have fun. There is a very social aspect to politics and Tony thoroughly enjoyed planning and attending events and functions, or just going out to dinner with a group of his Rhode Island political friends. He was truly one of a kind." -- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney, with Journal archival reports Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsPaul Moore | March 12, 2008 3:57 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
As the campaign manager for Kevin Vigilante's effort against Patrick Kennedy in 1994, I interacted on occasion with Tony. He was always friendly and quite decent. After the election - one which Tony obviously ran quite well - I became Gov. Almond's federal liaison. In that capacity, I worked with Tony and others on PJK's staff, including Garry Bliss and others - all of whom were terrific to work with on behalf of Rhode Island, even though I was working for the Republican governor. Tony was a very fine person in all of our dealings and, although we probably didn't agree on much politically, he was happy to talk about politics and to engage in civil, friendly discourse.
My sympathies to Tony's family, Patrick and all of the staff who are no doubt at a loss now.
Sincerely,
Paul Moore