I regret to inform you of the recent passing of a fine trooper, that served over 35 years with the Maryland State Police. Senior Trooper Tony C. Gaines passed away on July 23, 2022, after a brief illness.
Tony entered the Maryland State Police Academy in 1980 and graduated in the Spring of 1981. During his career, he worked St. Mary’s and PG County until serving in the Executive Protection Unit, the Governor’s Detail under three administrations. Gone too soon, Tony will be remembered by his infectious smile and demeanor. Services were held on Sunday, July 31, 2022. A tribute video can be viewed on the Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home website.
May God Bless his family at this time of their grief. May he forever be their Guardian Angel as they rebuild their lives after this loss.
—
Sarah “Jeannie” Mastronardi
President, MSPAA
OBITUARY
Life Celebration for Tony Gaines https://fb.watch/eCJi9Pdba8/
On the wings of love, Tony Clifford Gaines drove his Batmobile to heaven. On July 23, 2022, gazing into his devoted wife’s eyes and holding her hand his spirit was released from his worn out shell of a body and is now exploring the universe.
Civilians will recognize him best as “The Batman” and thank him for his many years of service protecting our city.
Tony was born February 28, 1960 in Washington D.C. and raised in Seat Pleasant, he was one of five children. Being the only boy of the family he took great pride in terrorizing his sisters. He attended Crossland High School, where he was a proud Cavalier cross country runner. It was there that he met his BEST FRIENDS for life, whose friendship was pure, nonjudgmental and never wavered. The Fellas graduated together in 1978 and their stories are infamous.
Upon Graduation Tony attended Bowie State University. After college he enrolled in the Maryland State Police Academy and graduated in 1981. A young Trooper First Class got his first assignment at the St. Mary’s County Barrack, where his stories are hysterical. His next assignment was at the Forestville Barrack in Prince Georges County, where he got his toughness. His final assignment, and his most cherished one of his career was serving on the Executive Protection Unit in Annapolis. There, he protected and served under three administrations, starting with Governor Paris Glendening, Governor Robert Ehrlich and Governor Martin O’Malley. During this detail, he traveled the country and got to experience a once in a lifetime trip to South Africa.
Tony retired a Senior Trooper from the Maryland State Police after an honorable and dedicated 35 year career serving the great state of Maryland, which he so loved.
Although a less than average life span, Tony did not live an average life. He traveled where he wanted to travel, laughed inappropriately at every chance and loved who he wanted to love. His devout feistiness and stubbornness had served him well throughout his life. He was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth.
Affectionately known as The Tone by his family and friends, was larger than life with the loudest, happiest laugh in the room. His gregarious Cheshire grin brightened many hearts. Tony was a comic book aficionado, a Marvel encyclopedia and Batman genius. Tony enjoyed going to the movies and eating popcorn like someone was going to take it from him, talking on the phone, leaving inappropriate voice messages and singing happy birthday messages to his loved ones. A music lover to his core, he had a song for every life event or emotion he was feeling. His favorite musicians were Jeffrey Osborne, Billy Ocean, The Carpenters and Phyllis Hyman. He loved a good meal and bragged about his Wife’s cooking, even though he didn’t want it to go to her head. He loved riding roller coasters with his daughter, taking her to the beach, traveling together, eating spaghetti together, teaching her to love comic books and superheroes, sharing his love of music with her, enjoying movies and television together, cheering on their favorite college football teams together and demanding snacks and of course teasing her mercilessly. Tony was an extreme Minnesota Vikings fan since childhood and he cheered on every Maryland sport, especially basketball.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Shannon O’Connor-Gaines, 22 years with him will never be long enough. It was truly an honor and privilege to be your wife, thanks for choosing me and being mine. We had a lot of fun, I will remember laughing at all the simple things that we have come to enjoy and fill our lives with such happy words and moments. Rest easy, my love, I have the watch.
Tony is survived by his cherished daughter, Taylor Nicole Gaines, 14. His greatest accomplishment in life and his pride and joy and greatest gift was his daughter, who he loved unconditionally. No other love in the world was like the love he had for his little girl. He was extremely proud of all her accomplishments and will forever be cheering her on. “To my beautiful daughter, always remember: you are brave, you are capable, you are pretty, and you can accomplish ANYTHING your heart desires!” Daddy LOVES you forever.
Tony is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Earlene and Brad Garvey, you filled his life with friendship, laughter and love. He loved talking to his sissy.
Tony is survived by his in-laws, John and Ruthie Roadarmel. Ruthie, was a loyal friend and confidant, their laughter together was contagious and will be missed.
Think I’ll miss you forever, like the stars miss the sun in the morning sky.
I’M
VENGEANCE
I’M THE NIGHT
I AM BATMAN!
Family and friends may visit on Sunday July 31, 2022 from 2:00pm-4:00pm with family remembrance time starting at 4:00pm at Barranco Severna Park Funeral Home & Cremation Care, P.A. 495 Ritchie hwy. Severna Park, MD 21146.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to the American Red Cross in honor of Tony Gaines: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
Give the gift of life and consider being an organ donor in his memory: https://www.thellf.org/
