Anthony L. Papa, 81, passed away on December 26th, 2020, surrounded by family after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Tony, as his friends knew him, was born in Boston, MA. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he met the love of his life, Caroline, while working at the post office. In 1970, they packed up their three children and headed to California from Massachusetts. On the way, they stopped in Laramie, where they decided to put down roots and, over the years, added two more children to the family.
Tony had a love for basketball, cars, and children, serving as a little league coach for many years and creating an enduring love for the game in many a young man. His interest in cars led him to an initial career as an auto mechanic, eventually opening his own shop in Laramie. When the Union Pacific Railroad did not renew the lease on his business site, Tony decided to change careers and joined that very railroad as a brakeman, in time becoming one of the youngest engineers. It was a job from which he retired. Tony and his wife are most often known for the Sandwich Shoppe which they operated for 13 years on Third Street, selling submarine sandwiches to hungry Laramieites and visitors.
Tony was a loving, loyal man with a great sense of humor and a loud, inviting Italian laugh. He was tall, strong, kind, and easy to know—the type of man one was happy to call friend.
Tony is preceded in death by his brother Frank, his mother Louisa, his father Frank, and one great-grandchild Jazlyn.
He is survived by his wife Caroline; his 5 children: Kristine (Dale), Wendy (Ron), Paul (Melissa), Gina (Jed), and David (Amie), 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at Montgomery-Stryker Mortuary on June 28th at 11am. The CDC COVID restrictions will be adhered to at all times, including the use of masks and social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made in Tony’s name at either The Eppson Center in Laramie, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the ASPCA, or the Zion Lutheran Church.
Go to www.montgomerystryker.com to send condolences or to sign the online guestbook.
Sorry for your loss
Worked with Tony for years on the railroad. Always enjoyed his sense of humor.