Tony John Plebani

Tony John Plebani, 50, of Albuquerque, NM, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 1, 2023. If you were fortunate to meet Tony, you know he was one of the most selfless humans who ever lived. His heart knew no boundaries, and he gave and gave until he could give no more.  Tony was born on November 3, 1972, to Tony and Linda Plebani in Holyoke, MA. After Tony graduated from Eldorado High School in 1991, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.  Along with being an adoring husband, phenomenal father, son, brother, and incomparable friend, Tony was a multidimensional, uncommonly talented musician, artist, woodworker, teacher, and superhero. He was a true renaissance man.  After receiving his Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of New Mexico, he substituted and taught at Valley High School as an Army Instructor for their ROTC unit until finding his family at Sandia High School in Albuquerque, where he taught history, economics, communications skills, and more for over 20 years.  Tony was a caring, accessible, and enthusiastic teacher who nurtured, guided, and challenged his “babies.” He believed as Mr. Miyagi said, “no such thing as bad student, only bad teacher.” Mr. P., or Mr. Plezombie, was known for his unwavering commitment to each and every student he encountered and never hesitated to support his colleagues in whatever way he could. He was extraordinarily selfless; his generosity and acts of kindness knew no bounds.  Besides his family, one of Tony’s most cherished accomplishments was serving as the lead singer in the band Missing Stateside which was chosen to open for Styx, Motley Crue, Pat Benatar, and others. This band was composed solely of Veterans and dedicated each show to those who served. Tony played lead guitar for Missing Stateside; some of their performances are immortalized on YouTube. 

While Tony’s brilliant light will never be extinguished, his loss has created an abyss that will never be filled. He is survived and desperately missed by his loving wife, Leslie Marie Radigan, son, Ettore John Plebani, daughters, Gabriella Marie and Ellianna Celine Radigan, and his ever-faithful, slobbery St. Bernard Bernie; his mother, Linda Plebani; father, Tony and his wife, Lillian; sister, Melissa Plebani; brother, Chris Plebani, wife, Andrea Saint Ives Plebani and their daughter Chyna Rodriguez; his uncle Randy Lucas, aunt Donna and uncle Paul Desmarais (Chicopee, MA); mother- and father-in-law Mike and Celine Radigan, brother- and sister-in-law Michael and Megan Radigan, and his favorite niece, Amelia. Tony was also surrounded by the intense love and comradery of his many brothers, Don and Tom Bennett, Ray Cybulski, Bob Payette, Josh Rigsby, and John Utsey, along with innumerable family and friends.

Tony was predeceased by his aunt Sharon Lucas, his grandparents, Dolly and Tony Plebani, and Theresa and Johnny Sarmiento.

Tony was never afraid to take on projects and challenges and did everything with honesty and integrity. He had very strong values and was respected and loved, mostly because of his compassion and energy. Tony had incredible patience and always made time to help others. The loss of Tony feels insurmountable, and his legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we have but this one moment, and to choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service. A rosary and celebration of life will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Daniels Funeral Home (4310 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho 87124). The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 21 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary by Rev. Andrew Pavlak, pastor, followed by a reception in the parish hall (5415 Fortuna Rd NW, Albuquerque 87105). There will be an additional celebration from 6-10 p.m. on January 21 at ReSource Brewing (3107 Eubank Blvd. NE, Albuquerque 87111). Livestream for Memorial Service and Rosary will be posted below, and livestream for Mass can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosaryabq