Tony Sarandes
 

Hi Folks,
It is with sad regards that I need to inform the boating community of the passing of a true friend of power boating, Tony Sarandes. Tony was a loyal attendee to Bill Taylor's Poker Run America events as well as a loyal sponsor with many years of active involvement to Offshore Racing. As a sponsor for both Cigarette and Fountain Powerboats, Tony brought his Rio Roses company to attend each race for a dozen seasons. We were always the most popular boat at any parade during a racing weekend as Tony brought thousands of fresh roses to pass out to all the ladies along the parade route. Tony was a great friend and loyal partner not only for his race teams but also the company behind the team. Tony served as a loyal Board of Director for Fountain Powerboats and friend to all that enjoyed their offshore boat, no matter their manufacturer affiliation. The offshore boating community has truly lost a wonderful contributor to the sport. Please join me in remembering a great man and loyal friend.............DK

RIP Tony. Godspeed.

I remember the Rio Roses Fountain race boat and they were always the one that everybody tried to beat. Great Race Team and great sponsor. Thank you for the memories. RIP Tony Sarandes.

May he rest in peace, thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

It was an honor for me to be part of the Rio Roses team with Tony. It was always great to see Tony laughing, despite his condition, and I'm pretty sure we provided some much needed humor in his life. His passion for the sport and his love of people will truly be missed. RIP my friend.
Alan Riehl

Sarandes a Class Act.....
 

I met Mr. Sarandes as a Sponsor on the 46 Cigarette Rio Roses. Even though he was the "title" Sponsor and we were at best a PudKnocker in our associate sponsor role. He was always Gracious and Welcoming. If there was a man who defined "Gentleman Racer" to me it was Mr. Sarandes. He made it a great experience for me and the others on the team and I say R.I.P. and God Speed.
Best,
Robert Shin
a.k.a. Rice Hauler

It was a honor for myself to be part of the Rio Roses Fountain team with Tony, He was more then a sponsor to us, he was in the pits ever day all day long to help us with the boat. He will be miss. God speed Tony
Mike

Godspeed Tony.

I was extremely saddened to hear of Tony's passing this morning.
His gentle, most giving manner will be sorely missed by the crew of our Rio Roses Fountain as well as many other people he touched during his life.

Even though I'm not actively racing, my boat will always carry the Rio Rose logos on it.

Rest in peace, Tony

Rich Troppoli

Rip
 

Without question, one of the nicest, most professional people I have ever met in the industry.

He will be missed.

Scott Shogren

www.teamshogren.com

May he rest in peace or to the sounds of loud blower engines...

Godspeed.

Tony

Members of the Rio Roses Team have come back together to do a great thing for our friend Tony Sarandes. The following people are making a generous donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research under the name of "The Rio Roses Race Team" in memory of Tony Sarandes.

Alan Riehl
Ben Robertson
David Knight
Mike Seebold
Mike Merola
Reggie Fountain
Rich Tropolli
Roger Ausley
Tommy Jordan
Tommy Stubbs

I would like to thank each of these great competitors for making this gracious donation in the name of our good friend. This information has been relayed to Tony's family and will be noted in the services this weekend in Ocala Florida. Thank you all!
David

Thanks for the kind words
 

Rip

Sad great loss RIP!

I'm glad that you got a chance to read these comments about your Dad in this thread. It speaks volumes about how people felt about him and the type of person that he was.