Anthony Sposa

A popular Richmond radio personality sent his final send off on Thursday, August 15, 2013. Anthony (Tony) Joseph Sposa, Jr. was WRNL’s best known DJ during the 1960s, co-hosting the ‘Night Beat’ show and his renown big band broadcasts.

What many fans were not able to know about their favorite local celebrity was the personal story of the man behind the microphone. Tony was born on August 27, 1931in Tenafly, New Jersey. Even in his youth there was a talent and strength within him that allowed him to play as the star half-back and quarterback for Tenafly High School. These abilities later caught the eye of Vince Lombardi, the famous Notre Dame football coach and coach at local Saint Cecilia’s High School at the time, who offered Tony the opportunity to play for Army football which he declined to join the United States Marines.

At 18, Tony began his military service and served during the Korean War. He later left to pursue other endeavors including fortifying his relationship with music. Despite his athletic prowess in high school, Tony revelled in big band tunes and songs from the Rat Pack-era. He often recalled, with a glimmer in his eye, of skipping school to hop on the bus to New York City to see Frank Sinatra play. Tony’s interest, drive, and charisma eventually led him to Richmond’s WRNL, spinning his personal favorites while also interviewing the likes of Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan and hosting area big band favorite, The Continentals. He later opened the Richmond Broadcast Academy.

Behind-the-scenes Tony was a coach for Tuckahoe Little League and father of four sons. Throughout his life he always opened doors for women, befriended every man, and won the hearts of all those who crossed his path, a rare type of gentleman found in our current times. Tony followed his heart, identified the talent and good in others, and always made sure his hair was presentable and groomed to his liking.

Tony is survived by sons Michael Anthony Sposa, daughter-in-law, Kathy, and their children Nick, Brett, and Karlee; Joseph Michael Sposa, daughter-in-law Angie, and their son Tanner; Christopher Larkin Sposa; and Jason Samuel Sposa, daughter-in-law, Melanie, and their daughter Olivia Bee. Others who will miss his warmth and smile include beloved companion Judy Steinbach, partner in crime and best friend, John Clark, former wife and dear friend, Karen Sposa. And, finally, Dixie and Pete, a man’s true best friends.

He greets in heaven with open arms his mother, Helen Larkin, his soulmate, Jane Williams, and Scout, the neighbor’s dog that loved Tony so much he stayed.

A viewing will be held at the Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home in Saluda, Virginia on Sunday, August 18 from 5:00pm-7:00pm. A mass and funeral will be held the following day, Monday, August 19 at 11:00am at the funeral home chapel. Entombment will be in Windsor Gardens Cemetery and Mausoleum, Dutton, Virginia. All are invited to celebrate in his memorial.

In memory of an amazing life, “Good night to you, to you, and especially to you.”