Tribute to Tony

just remember him with special thoughts, please send your message to reckhardt@hotmail.com

Remembering so many good times on Longboat Key. Both houses near the north end...Ana's pregnancy as we ALL anxiously awaited the birth of Tony........caravanning the boats with the Cushings, Colers and Carlsons (the three C's)...beaching on sand spits with dogs, kids and so-called adults. Weddings...birthdays...anniversaries...grand openings of businesses...hurricane evacuations. And most of all the loves and laughs.

Lor and Sandy Carlson

To aunt Carrine, Tony Jr. and to the patrons of the Cat’s Eye,

I had a lifetime of experiences in the short time I had in Fells Point this past week.

Tony, “Uncle Tone”, was a free spirit that I always admired. He made life look like one big blast.

I envied him for that. The only time I really got to see him was when I was home on

military leave for a wedding or a funeral, or just some down time to go nuts. He and my aunt, Anna Marie (Carrine) would always roll out the red carpet when I arrived (tanked) to burn off some steam.

I will always love them for that. To the people of the Fells Point District that I was so honored

to have met while I was there, you have left me with more memories than I can count.

I know now why The Cat’s Eye Pub is truly an historic place. Look after my little brother for me fellas,

God Bless and Semper Fi,

Andrew Camacho

I remember vividly arriving in Baltimore, my son was only 4 and I was absolutely a stranger in town. I ventured into Fells Point and eventually, into the Cats Eye. It was early afternoon on a Saturday, not many people there and just some canned music on the stereo........Tony was there and I ordered a drink. He came over and said "hello", I told him who I was and that I was new in town and didn't know anyone. He basically welcomed me with open arms, told me I was not a stranger anymore and he was glad to have me there at the Pub. I continued to go there for the next 20 years, developing all kinds of relationships with tons of various people, all interesting in their own right. Tony and Ana both were always charming and friendly and embraced me into their Cats Eye family. Even now, though I've moved away and only visit occasionally, I always feel like one of the "regulars" there, kept up to date on the goings-on with folks and included in all the news, good and bad. Attended many a wake at the Cats Eye for crew, patrons and musicians that have left before us, but the wake for Tony was most touching, bringing together people from 20 years of the Cats Eye as well as fellow bar owners in Fells Point. It was bittersweet to see so many I hadn't before. Only Tony could bring everyone together again in this fashion. We miss you, my friend, and thank you for "taking me in" when I first arrived...........much peace and healing to Tony Jr. and Ana......and all of us who feel that bit of emptiness in our hearts........

Marti Iben
Nanticoke, PA

I'd like to let the CUSHING family know that they are in my thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

"Brother" Bill Smyth

To The Cushing Family,

I would like to extend my condolences for your loss. We all have our memories, I met Tony years ago through Kenny O. and we became friends. Sorry is the process at this time but I would really like to point out just one thing," Heaven just became much more interesting". My friend I will see you on the other side-----

Chip Walter

Ana & Tony,

There are no words that can express the heartache that we feel. He was the Big Dog on the porch, the very best. Hope to see you both someday, until then you are in our prayers.

Love,

Jerry, Shelley & Ethan McDermed

I moved to Baltimore from Frostburg in late 2005. For nearly two years, I wandered around looking for that place that made me feel comfortable, made me feel like I had found a piece of home here in this crazy city. In September of 2007, a friend took me to Cats Eye and the second I stepped in I just knew that this was what I had been searching for. The attitude of customers there was a direct reflection of Tony's. He wasn't just serving you drinks, he was genuinely happy to see people, happy to hear their stories, and happy to pass on a joke or wisdom. I've never been witness to an entire bar full of people dancing before. Normally, there are those who prefer to stand by and watch. But that night I visited, the Crawdaddies were playing, and the whole building was bouncing. Several nights later I returned to hear Ursula Ricks preach her divine wisdom right into my soul. A week later it was Muleman, wooing me with his southern charm. I've never had a bad time there, because it's not possible. Everyone is so welcoming, because they're truly happy to be at Cat's Eye, and want strangers to know that kind of love. I've seen regulars buy Cat's Eye shirts for tourists who wander in and comment on how great it is. That my friends, is what I know Fells Point to be.
I stopped in the bar on Saturday, while the pirate invasion was happening. Although I hadn't been around in quite some time, it was still the same wonderful atmosphere. Arms welcomed you, no questions asked, people are just glad to see you again. Tony Jr. was behind the bar smiling just as big as his father did. Although I didn't know him that long, I like to believe that Tony's spirit lives on in everyone there, showing them how to treat the lucky one's who pass through that door and into a home away from home. It's a fine place, Cat's Eye Pub. Thank you Tony, for sharing it with the world.

Michelle Ingrodi