Tony Off

Tony Off, 19, Sharpsville, died Thursday, May 25, 2006 as the result of a traffic accident in Orlando, Florida, where he was attending college. He was born in Tipton on April 28, 1987 to Gary P. and Donna L. (Wisler) Off.

Tony was a student at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Florida and worked at Stihl Southeast, Inc.  He was a member of the Mid-America Threshing and Antique Club in Tipton.  He participated in the Miracle Ride for Riley Hospital for many years and the Relay for Life in Tipton as a survivor.  He loved his family and friends very much, people of all ages, and never discriminated, always making time for them.  Tony had a passion for riding motorcycles, bicycles, anything.  He was a very special young man, touching the lives of many people.

Tony had struggled with cancer since 1999 at the age of 11 and he had always stayed strong.  He was treated at Riley Hospital by many caring people who became very important to him.

Since attending college in Florida in December, he made many very special friends and formed special bonds.  He helped many in times of need, always being concerned about others, even when not feeling well himself.  Tony had a beautiful smile that always made people feel better.

Tony is survived by his parents, Gary and Donna of Sharpsville; a sister, Alisha May Off of Sharpsville and her fiancé Nathan Allen Barker; his paternal grandparents, Herbert L. and Marita E. Off, Tipton and a great-grandmother, Thelma Koors, Tipton.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Robert and "Jerry" Wisler.

His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Heartland Ministries, 3611 N. St. Rd. 19, Sharpsville, with Rev. Joe Coffin and Rev. Bill Salsbery presiding.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Tipton.  Visitation will be from 2:00 - 5:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Young-Nichols Funeral Home and from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 6325 Digital Way, Suite 150, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278.