Anthony Guyther died peacefully on Feb. 11, 2017, at the Royal nursing home in Falmouth; he was 96. Known affectionately as Uncle Jerry to his nieces and nephews, his many friends called him Tony.
Tony was born in Felton, Cuba, on Jan. 14, 1921, while his father engineered the railway system for United Fruit Co. He came to the United States at the age of 3 alongside his parents and older brother, Wayne. During his childhood, the family moved several times, mainly living in New York City. He often recalled singing in the Trinity Church Boy’s Choir with his brother to earn money for their family during the Depression.
After a short time at Dartmouth College, he entered the Army. He was stationed in Colorado and worked as a photographer. Once discharged, Anthony returned to New York City working in the layout and advertising departments of Hillman Publications, and later for Condé Nast. He continued to work as a photographer on his own, and became quite successful under the pseudonym Vulcan. During the ’60s he was the art director for Theater Arts Magazine.
Throughout his life, Tony always enjoyed art, music, word puzzles, and antiques. A whiz at solving crossword puzzles, he completed one every day, and loved spending time working on them with loved ones. During the ’70s, he began creating symbolic, exotic collages, many incorporating a play on words and symbols to create beautiful, interesting images.
In 1984 he moved to Martha’s Vineyard to be closer to his mother, his brother, and family. Here he owned several stores, including the Vintage Vinyl record store at Five Corners, where in addition to music, he sold his framed album collages, antiques, vintage jewelry, and other artwork.
He met his life partner, Patricia Force, at the Tisbury Senior Center. Together they enjoyed many activities, especially traveling and collecting art. They participated in several fundraisers benefiting the Martha’s Vineyard AIDS Alliance, and the Alzheimer’s Walk of Life in honor of his mother. Working and creating his entire life, Anthony always kept his sharp wit and dry sense of humor.
He is survived by his companion, Patricia Force of Tisbury, his niece Laura Abbady of Sandwich, his nephew Wayne and his wife Mary Ellen Guyther of Oak Bluffs, and his niece Elizabeth and her husband Joseph Cosgrove of Edgartown; his great-grandnephews, Khalid Abbady and his wife Megan, Chad Guyther, and Joseph, Liam, and Tucker Cosgrove, and grandnieces, Jaimie Cosgrove and Andrea and Allyse Guyther.
Anthony is predeceased by his nephew, Nelson Guyther.
A private celebration of life is planned. Please donate to the Friends of the Council on Aging in lieu of flowers.
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