Obituary of Anthony R. Reppenhagen

Anthony Robert "Tony" Reppenhagen, 81, of Gloversville, passed away peacefully Friday morning, February 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Anthony was born March 25, 1942, in Gloversville, the son of the late Robert and Holly (Duncan) Reppenhagen. Tony Reppenhagen was a 1960 Graduate of Gloversville High School. He immediately began his service to his community as a news reporter and disc jockey for WENT, News Radio. While pursuing his love for music, he met the love of his life and married his bride, Charlene Ceresia in 1964 who has been his backbone for the last 59 years of their devoted marriage.

While reporting on numerous news events around the County and also taking photos for WENT he was drawn into public protection and worked part time as a Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy. His service in Law Enforcement continued as he was accepted to attend the New York State Police Academy in 1965 and was stationed in both Fulton and Montgomery County for the majority of the time he spent working as a road Trooper. After 8 years, Tony was promoted to an Investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, also known as the “BCI”. During Tony’s time in the BCI he achieved the permanent rank of Sergeant, was honored by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, attended the FBI Academy and became a proficient State Police Interrogator. Tony spent a number of years as a narcotics investigator undercover and also taught at the State Police Academy. Tony served the residents of NYS for 21 years and retired in 1986 and loved every minute of it. He would probably tell you that the paycheck was a bonus because he would have done the job for free, and it showed through his persistence and determination.

After leaving the State Police, Tony was hired as an Investigator by a local Telecommunications Company, Contel, that later transitioned to Citizens Communications. Here, Tony served as an Investigator for Citizens and after 13 years was promoted to Director of Security where he was responsible for the entire Eastern Seaboard for the organization. During Tony’s tenure as a security specialist, he obtained his certification as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) CPP is considered the “gold standard” certification for security management professionals and began his commitment to Security in the Private Sector. Tony became a member of the American Society of Industrial Security, also known as ASIS, and became the President of the Albany Chapter for a period of time. After 15 years with Citizens Communications, he retired a second time and began work as a Private Investigator, contracting with various companies and was re-hired as a Special Investigator with the State Police, where he conducted background investigations for the Governor’s Office. After four years of the good life, working part time as a ‘PI” and as an Investigator with the State Police, he returned to his third full time career and was hired as an Investigator for Masterbrand Cabinets, and was responsible for all internal investigations across the country. After four years he finally hung it up for good.

While excelling in his profession, Tony and Charlene brought four beautiful children into this world and by far their greatest accomplishments in his life are Susan, Lynn, Anthony II (AR) and Kevin as well as nine grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren.

Tony has been dedicated to his community throughout his life. Part of Tony’s commitment to his community was his dedication to donating blood, donating 77 pints of blood to the American Red Cross Association over a span of 20 years. Tony was also committed to the following organizations: The Sacred Heart Church Parish, now known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, Eucharistic Minister and lector, The Elks Lodge and Exalted Ruler, The Moose Lodge, The Former Association of Retired Troopers, The New York State Police Benevolent Association, The National Troopers Coalition, The New York Chiefs of Police, American Society of Industrial Security – ASIS, The Gloversville Huskies Football Alumni Club and  The Fulton County Traffic Safety Board. He was an all-around family man and enjoyed spending time with his family above all. His greatest joy was family gatherings at his home. Family vacations and celebrations were what he looked forward to. He loved being assigned to the NY State Fair and rubbing elbows with celebrities and the governor. He attended as many of his grandchildren's sporting and school events as he possibly could, traveling near and far. He was an avid DIY guy and woodworker. He enjoyed hanging by the pool, playing golf, his weekly retired Trooper breakfasts, and daily coffee groups. He could be seen volunteering at Husky Field and many other community events. Reminiscing about “The Job” was his favorite pastime.

Tony is survived by his wife, Charlene (Cerasia) Reppenhagen; children, Susan Botch (David), Lynn Handy, Anthony Reppenhagen II (Cheri) and Kevin Reppenhagen (Jeanine); siblings, Eugene Reppenhagen (Virginia), Patricia Richardson (Roger) and Christine Anagnostopulos; grandchildren, Zachary, Anthony III, Annie, Kacie, Alex (Payton), David, Jenna, Gracie and John; step grandchildren, Greg (Justine) and Breanna; step great grandchildren, Delany and Marshall; as well as several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A special thank you to the aides and nurses who cared for Tony in his final stages.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 4 to 7 pm Friday, March 1st at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 51 Fremont St, Gloversville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am Saturday, March 2nd at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 153 S. Main St; Gloversville, with the Rev. Matthew Wetsel officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org, or to Mountain Valley Hospice https://mvhcares.org, or Gloversville Football Alumni Club PO Box 414, Gloversville, New York 12078, or an organization of your choice.

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com