Tony Pantanella RIP

[displayfireworks1]

I mentioned Tony Pantenella in one of my other post. He died March 30, 2015. I did find one video I have of him from 2008. His claim to fame is he and another local Pittsburgh man did the special effects in the original Night of the Living Dead movie. I talked with Matt at Pyrofest and heard he has something planned pyrotechnic to honor his memory. I know Matt also has a DVD I tried to get from Tony showing some of his old pyrotechnic work. He converted his old film to DVD. Perhaps Matt can tell us what he has planned.
Here is the video I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG9TXdQ0n-g
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I know back then he had to improvise explosive charges
http://www.autopsyofthedead.com/images/tony-pantanella-squibs.jpg
Here is the obituary
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/postgazette/obituary.aspx?pid=174531865
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http://i.ebayimg.com/15/!CEjbRO!BGk~$(KGrHqMOKikE0sRpwCY,BNSOVNwOlw~~_1.JP G
http://www.nightofthelivingdead.net/people_images/tony-Pantanella-001.jpg

[Matt]

We plan to recreate some of the old set pieces that he made back in the day. He left behind some old paperwork with diagrams of them and some on video. And we will also add a little bit of noise because those who knew Tony knew he liked noise. We will do this in Laporte 2016.

[displayfireworks1]

Matt that sounds great, I believe you told me Maurine gave you the DVD, it would great if you could ask her for permission to post some of those old video clips of Tony blowing up a car in another movie, Tony told me he has clips of old Catholic celebrations where they followed the priest as he walked through a neighborhood and they set off ground salutes in the streets. I know that DVD is from his old 16mm. I believe I have Maurine's phone and email if you need it. It would great to see some of those if she is ok with it.

[wizard7611]

Wow, what a great guy!

[Matt]

Tony S borrowed it and I watched it at his place, but I don't have a copy. Sorry, but it will not be put online. Tony P didn't want it online and we are going to keep it that way. It is just something for the family to keep.

You will be able to see some of it recreated in LaPORC next year. We plan to do it in Ground Display Level 3. Most people never enter because it takes a lot of work.

[displayfireworks1]

We will have to respect the family and deceased wishes. I have an video interview with Tony talking about the Night of the Living Dead movie, I can't seem to find it. I remember in the video he still had the rifle and the original clothing he wore in the movie along with all this paper memorabilia from that movie. He had the contract to do the pyro with George Romero, a ticket to original premier of the movie in Pittsburgh. Plus, he showed me letters from George Zambelli dating back to 1959. Tony saved everything. Fireworks catalogs dating back many years, I sure hope all that material made into the hands of collectors. I kept telling him to sell it, I sure hope he did.

[displayfireworks1]

Here is the entire movie for those that never saw it. It is credited as the original "Zombie Movie"
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_f2Enn8x5s
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Here is a colorized version, to me it looks weird in color and is best watched in black and white.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x338P5OkIYU

[Niceshellsdude]

Why don't we dedicate some of the collier show to him? We could include some narrative from Dave about him or something. Might be an idea.

[displayfireworks1]

I think we will let Matt handle this at the PGI. Collier does not really know him. Although part of me would like to watch you build a set piece and ground salute. LOL

[PGH_Pyro]

rip brother Tony
*drinkin a few for his memory*
:(

[wizard7611]

rip brother Tony
*drinkin a few for his memory*
:(

Brother, lol! You make it sound like he goes to your church.

[displayfireworks1]

That comment is borderline disrespectful. I will close this thread.