Anthony Totaro Obituary

Anthony Raymond Totaro MT. PLEASANT- Anthony Raymond Totaro, formerly of Needham, MA and Wolfeboro, NH, entered eternal rest peacefully in his sleep on September 6, 2024 in Mount Pleasant, SC. He was 98. Son of Maria (Romano) Totaro and Anthony Totaro, he was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, NY. A gifted trumpeter, Anthony was placed in the high school band at age 11. Later, he would lead that band, and ultimately had his own dance bands. Anthony served as bugler in the US Army Air Corps (now the US Air Force) which he joined immediately upon high school graduation. During Air Corps basic training, Anthony was severely wounded. He spent months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and subsequently received a medical discharge. Anthony attended NYU and Hofstra College (University), graduating with a BS. Upon graduation, he accepted a position at Holmes & Co. piano store on Long Island. Within a year he was store manager. He married Katherine May, and a few years later they decided he would start his own company. With friend Richard H. Wegman, he moved his family to Boston and founded Hammond Organ Studios of Boston, which grew to be the largest Hammond Organ Studios in the country. In 1969, the company name was changed to Boston Organ & Piano. Many awards from various national and international manufacturers followed. Anthony was particularly proud to be the inaugural recipient of Yamaha Corporation of America's Founders Award. Anthony was happiest when surrounded by family, and was revered by his loved ones for his kindness, humor, and generosity. His energy for visiting art galleries and antique shops knew no bounds, and he loved to surprise family with small 'treasures' he bought for them. His other interests and hobbies included photography, oil painting, drawing, big band music, and all things Civil War, and his enthusiasm for these things was both inspiring and contagious. He retired to Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH and then to Mount Pleasant, SC. He was predeceased by siblings Joseph, John, Arthur, Frances, and Ann. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Katherine, children, A. Raymond, Jr. (Janet), Katherine (Jeffrey), John, Richard, David, and Elizabeth (Peter), along with 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church in Alton, NH on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 10:30 - 11:30 am, followed by a funeral Mass at Noon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.