Villagers in Canastota gathered on Monday to bid farewell to one of their favorite sons.
The much-loved Tony Graziano passed away on December 14, 2025, and yesterday would have marked his 104th birthday.
The upstate New York icon had success as a trainer, manager and promoter, and was known in his later years for running Graziano’s, the restaurant and bar opposite the grounds of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a wonderful facility packed with atmosphere and boxing memorabilia, photographs and fight posters.
Graziano was the life and soul of just about every party there, and last night, International Boxing Hall of Fame founder Ed Brophy was part of the turnout that attended a candlelight vigil in Graziano’s memory on the grounds of the old restaurant and motel.
“The Village of Canastota joined together yesterday to remember and say goodbye to Tony Graziano on what would have been his 104th birthday,” read a post on the Hall of Fame’s social channels.
“The beloved manager/trainer/promoter passed away on December 14, 2024. The candlelight vigil was held at the former site of Graziano’s Restaurant and his many contributions to the community, his storied boxing career and military service were recognized. Rest in peace, Tony. You are missed.”
