Remembering Tony Barlow - 30 years later

When he was only an 8th grader at Prairie Hill School, Anthony Barlow, (known as Tony) came up with the idea of what are now known as The Tony Barlow Charity Games at Willowbrook Middle School.

Thirty years after his death, he is remembered as a son, brother, friend, and a hard worker. He shared his love of Frank Sinatra with those he loved. He was said to be like a brother to many friends and neighbors. Tony was young, but wise beyond his years.

Tony died on Aug. 10, 1994, just one day before what would have been his 18th birthday as a result of a hit and run accident on Aug. 9. A memorial cross sits on McCurry Road near where it happened. This year he would have been 48 years old on Aug. 11, 2024.

The guest book from his visitation and funeral was full of names of all who came to give their respects.

“There were so many people at his funeral that we had an escort from a City of Beloit squad car, and John Cabello assured that the long line of cars were able to get through smoothly,” Tony's mother Bev said.

Tony's organs were donated, saving five lives. Jeff Spielman was the recipient of his kidney and pancreas. In a show of gratitude, Spielman sponsored a $1,500 scholarship in Tony Barlow's name for HCHS students who were going to pursue music. This scholarship continued for five years.

The Barlows also met the lady who received Tony's heart and most of the other people who received an organ transplant from Tony.

Playing the trumpet

Tony's love of music started in the Phantom Regiment in the pre-cadet program for 7-10 year olds, at age 10 with his sister Amanda joining him. It was there that future State Representative John Cabello taught Tony how to play the trumpet.

While a Hononegah Community High School student, he played in the marching band and the jazz band, also playing at various events including Old Settlers Days.

Tony's dedication to music was so strong that he always knew that the show must go on. Before he was to play in the Phantom Regiment's Show of Shows, Tony had an accident that injured his arm. His doctor Robert Jarrett had advised against him playing, but his love of music moved him to play anyway - left handed, with a cast.

Memories

Barlow was also an athlete, playing baseball at Prairie Hill Elemerntay School, in pick up leagues, and on after school softball teams.

After he graduated from HCHS, Barlow worked on a pig farm where he baled hay. He also babysat and was in an apprenticeship with Bohn Air Conditioning.

“Tony was very active and very smart,” his Mother Bev said.

Tony and his sister Amanda Orlandi were very close. “When I played basketball and softball, Tony went to all of my practices.... he always cheered for me, helped me, and always brought food to my games,” Amanda said.

Tony Barlow was a huge supporter and friend to his sister Amanda.

“What bothers me today is that my boys have missed out on so much, so many holidays, birthdays and everything, time with their uncle. I feel bad every Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Amanda said.

Tony also supported his mom when she was in a bowling league.

'89 Mustang

Tony's dad Sam said. “Tony was working to save money to buy a car, an '89 Mustang. He was going to pick it up on his birthday. He was starting to establish credit.”

“When we found out about the accident, I was coming home over the interstate. Something horrible had happened,” Sam said.

Alex and Sam were working on the house and saw his mother's car that Tony was keeping here. Down the road was Tony.

The driver said he thought he had hit a deer in the dark, didn't see anything, and drove home. But shaky and upset, he stayed up all night. He finally called Roscoe Police Chief Richard Lee the next morning. The driver was charged with aggravated leaving the scene of an accident causing a death. He was sentenced to 30 months probation, up to 90 days in the county jail, 120 hours of community service, and a $1,000 fine. In addition, the trial judge ordered the defendant to pay for counselling of the victim's family, if requested.

The Tony Barlow Charity Games

In his 8th grade year at Prairie Hill, 1989-1990, Tony approached now retired teacher/coach Mike Rhines, wanting his 8th grade basketball team to play a game against the teachers.

Tony was the student who brought the idea for the charity game to his coach Rich Gurnett.

Since then, the game has morphed to include the girls volleyball team, with all food and money donations being given to support DEFY- Domestic Abuse- Beloit Center.

On Thursday, March 21, 2024 a re-dedication at Willowbrook Middle School resulted in the renaming of the annual event as The Tony Barlow Charity Games. The Barlow family received a stunning plaque marking the occasion, complete with a photo of Tony back when he was on his basketball team at Prairie Hill Elementary School.

Tony graduated from Prairie Hill in 1990.

Barlow's friend and former neighbor Jason Dimmel shares, “Tony and I got Air Jordan 4's at around the same time. Mine were white, blue and gray to go with our Prairie Hill basketball uniform. Tony had white, red and black ones. He left his shoes on the floor and his dog chewed on them. Boy, was he mad.”

Dimmel adds, “I collect Air Jordans now and I have those exact shoes that Tony was so proud of. Every time I look at them, I chuckle thinking back to that day.”

Dimmel said, "There was a point where I had probably spent more time at the Barlow home than at my own. Countless hours were spent playing basketball in the driveway, hanging out watching television, or just being mischievous while Sam and Bev weren't home."

“I was working at Roscoe Quick Mart the night that Tony had passed. He stopped by to chat quickly, then left on his bike. I am so incredibly grateful that he made that stop to talk. I miss him everyday.”

Memories of Tony Barlow and tributes reflecting on Tony's life are still being shared today, 30 years after his passing.

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