By Kate Bartlett
Buffalo native Anthony Cassetta made a large impact in the Ellicottville community with his generous $30,000 donation to the Ellicottville Central School music department in 2020. Although he calls Buffalo home, Tony has been a part of the Ellicottville community for over 50 years as a skier and ski instructor at Holiday Valley. His generous endowment has made a lasting impact on the school’s music program, and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Anthony was born and raised on the West Side of Buffalo to a large family as he is one of 8 children. His oldest brother, Joseph, started Cassetta Insurance Company in 1958, and Tony joined a few years later after obtaining his business degree from the University at Buffalo. Now 67 years later, Cassetta Insurance remains a solid business in the Buffalo area with 12 employees and 2 locations.
Around 1963, Tony was looking for an active hobby, so he decided to learn how to ski. He frequented Holiday Valley in Ellicottville and eventually bought property in the area. “My Uncle was a lively, driven individual,” describes Joseph Cassetta, Tony’s nephew. “He was a free spirit of sorts. He knew what he wanted and he stayed true to himself. While his friends were settling down, getting married and starting families, Tony wanted to maintain his independence. He was a spontaneous, high-energy guy, so he took up skiing in his late 20’s,” explains Joe.
raised on the West Side of
Buffalo, he had many roots
in Italy and fostered them in
Ellicottville, NY as well.
Tony eventually became a ski instructor and enjoyed his time on the slopes in Ellicottville. He built a ski chalet and spent his winters there. “It became his home away from home,” says Joe. Skiing became a big part of Tony’s life, and he served as president of the Ellicottville Ski Club twice, and was a ski instructor until his 70’s. Tony skied frequently in Europe, spending 1 month in Austria every year, in the small, elite town of Lech, as well as time in Arlberg in The Apls.
He met his wife, Barbara, in his late 60’s, who is also a skier, and they made many happy memories here in Ellicottville as well as traveling the world. “Tony loved skiing in Ellicottville, and he valued his friendships he made here,” says Barbara. “We appreciated the warm, welcoming community and spent many seasons on the slopes as well as playing tennis and golf.”
Barbara describes Tony as a very community and civic-minded individual. He served on the Boys and Girls Club board and was named “Man of the Year” for his giving of time and wealth. He also served on the Studio Arena board in Buffalo and is a lifetime trustee of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tony also sought to give back to the community of Ellicottville. He served on many boards throughout his years in Ellicottville and wanted to make a difference in programs that served the community. He donated a generous portfolio to the Ellicottville Library from his personal collection of Norman Rockwell illustrations. “Tony loved Norman Rockwell, and he donated his personal Tom Sawyer portfolio by this American icon to the library in order to increase its exposure and allow more people to view and appreciate this work of art.”
Tony had a deep appreciation for music and the arts. “Tony wanted to help increase exposure to the arts and wanted to provide opportunities for area children to attend musical performances, shows, and other presentations that might not be offered in the immediate area,” explains Barbara. In 1996, he set up a fund for the Ellicottville Central Schools endowing $30,000 to the arts department. “Tony generously donated $20,000 to the ECS music department,” explains Joe. “He pledged if the community could raise another $10,000, he would match this donation, allotting a grand total of $40,000 to the music and arts departments.”
This funding is still in operation today, and has granted many opportunities for students including attending philharmonic concerts and has purchased several instruments. “Several times throughout our visits in Ellicottville we have been recognized by parents or youth who have been granted opportunities through this funding,” remarks Barbara. “It’s exactly what Tony had intended.”
Joe describes his uncle’s personality as free-spirited and high-energy. “He is steadfast in his values and knows himself well. He is compassionate and lived his life with a young heart.” Barbara describes his charismatic and charming personality, making friends wherever he went. While Tony is still living in the Buffalo area, he has been suffering from dementia. He is in good care and visited by his nephew, wife, and other family members often. He enjoys remembering “the good ol’ days.”
Tony’s spirit will live on in Ellicottville through his many philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the music and arts program for the youth.