Anthony 'Tony' John Persico, 73, of Austell; GA went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday Dec. 31, 2008 after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be 12 noon Saturday January 3, 2009 at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home with Rev. Marvin (Doc) Frady officiating. Burial will be at Crestlawn Cemetery in Atlanta.

He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Cobb County for over 40 years.

Mr. Persico, who served in the U.S. Air Force, worked as an airplane mechanic, teacher, and computer tech, received a teaching award, was an active member of Clarkdale First Baptist Church, and he shared many special times with his loving church family. He touched many lives, radiated warmth and love, never met a stranger and he had a joy for life and for helping others, He had an uncanny ability to fix things, had a big laugh and an even bigger imagination, and was one of the most kind-hearted people you could meet, He was also known as the "Skip-Bo King!"

He leaves behind his loving wife, Carol of 22 years to cherish their memories; his three daughters Debby Ball (Thomas) of Anniston, AL, Cindy Persico of Jacksonville, FL, Terri Rimmer of Fort Worth, TX; two sons, Victor Cole (Jennifer) of Kenner, LA, and Pat Cole (Patsy) of Warrenville, SC; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, other relatives.

Family will receive friends 6-8PM Friday and 10AM-Noon Saturday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta.