Mooney family shares memories of York

By GREG GULAS

sports@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Sue Trewella, the Cardinal Mooney High School Campus Minister, remembers the time Tony York was in the cafeteria line and a student in front of him had forgotten his lunch money.

“I remember kids most when they commit random acts of kindness, and Tony always seemed to be randomly helping someone when they were in need,” Trewella said. ”He didn’t want that student to feel embarrassed because he had forgotten his money, so he just picked up his tab.”

York, the second son of John York and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield died Friday in California. The cause of death has not been released.

Others recalled on Monday how the kind, personable 2002 Mooney graduate could light up a room.

“He’s aptly named after St. Anthony, who was of ill health but challenged others about what they have done for the poor,” Trewella said. “St. Anthony was known for two things with one reaching out to brothers and sisters in need, and for finding lost things. He came from a wealthy family but was always looking at helping those who were less fortunate, and he would give you the shirt off his back.”

Trewella said York was a student who didn’t shy away from a learning situation.

“He was a good student who came into class full of life,” she said. “He was brought up in a faith-based family and wasn’t afraid to question you if he didn’t understand something.

“He had the courage to ask what others thought in terms of their faith and that spawned spirited discussions.

“When you teach these kids in a theology class you see them in a different light. Plus, he was funny as all get out.”

Teresa Yarger, Mooney assistant principal, was York’s religion teacher for two years.

“Tony was the kind of kid people wanted to be around,” Yarger said. “He had an infectious personality and was kind-hearted.

“He was a good student who was passionate about school and everything else that he did. When he took on a project, he remained immersed, so he could get it done on time.

“Edward Cardinal Mooney was all about service, and it’s what we are all about here at Cardinal Mooney High School. It’s what Tony was all about.”

For decades, Marguerite and John Young have been friends with Tony’s parents, who are godparents to their youngest son, Dan.

“Tony was the most likeable young man from Day 1,” said John Young, a former Mooney principal now principal at West Branch Middle School.

“We’d go on vacations together, and Tony would hold my daughter Dorie’s hand as they walked on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. Their personalities were just perfect for each other as he was genuine, caring and always smiling.”

Patrick Marlowe grew up with York. Both were Notre Dame fans.

“We clicked because we both loved Notre Dame. The Yorks took me to my very first Notre Dame game my junior year in high school,” Marlowe said. “They played Boston College.

“It was truly an amazing experience I will never forget. He was a good-hearted kid whose family was generous to all of us kids who hung out with him.”

Marlowe’s mother, Muffin, called York fun-loving.”

“I remember the fun-loving kid he was when he hung out at our house with Patrick and their other classmates,” she said. “They’d go to games together; have a lot of fun.

“It’s just so sad. Our family’s hearts and prayers go out to Denise, John and their entire family during this trying time.”

As a football player, York earned two letters as a linebacker-fullback while playing for head coach P.J. Fecko. He also played baseball for the Cardinals’ Tom Flynn.

“The thing I think of most was his smile. It absolutely stood out,” Fecko said. “He was a talented player; had an outstanding personality. He fit in with any group and could win over any conversation with his charm and personality.”

Don Bucci, the Mooney athletic director, said York was good to everyone.

“Tony had a charisma about him and was always willing to help anyone, be it a teammate or classmate,” Bucci said. “He was cordial to all and was very proud of his York and DeBartolo blood. He wore the name proudly.”

Tom Kelly serves on the board of the Edward J. DeBartolo Scholarship Foundation.

“My son, Mike, played football with Tony from fifth grade through high school and I remember him as a soft-spoken young man,” Kelly said.

“One time, he said if he got in trouble his father would make him run around the house as punishment. One of the players replied ‘So what?’ to which [Tony] said, ‘Did you ever see my house?’ ”