TRIBUTE TO ANTHONY "TONY" S. VILARDI

Many of you are aware of the International Soundex Reunion Registry (ISRR). It was founded by Emma May Vilardi in 1975 and was funded by her husband “Tony”. ISRR is a mutual consent reunion registry supported entirely by donations. I have always had the greatest respect for Emma and “Tony”. He stepped in to do even more after his wife’s death until he retired a few years ago.

“Tony” passed away at the age of 78 on June 14, 2009. ISRR has reunited many although I was not one of them. Perhaps if my birth mother had lived longer, she would have registered with ISRR just as I did. After my search was completed I did notify "Tony" and he wrote me a very nice note to include along with returning my registration form. He definitely did not have to go this extra mile. I had notified him because of all the registrations that they receive and thought of it as less paperwork for them to keep on file.

My feeling is that both Emma and "Tony" had a habit of going the extra mile. I have always been quick to refer those searching to ISRR and stress how trustworthy I feel they must be. I have never known them to prey upon the vulnerable as some other registry owners have done.

Thank you Emma & "Tony"! We hope that your dedication will be carried on so the registry continues to reunite people.