The Genesee County, Michigan, community is mourning the recent passing of Anthony “Tony” Fedewa, a devoted husband, father and sheriff’s deputy due to lung cancer.
According to friends, family and colleagues, the Genesee County sheriff’s deputy will be remembered for his work in security, music and his lifelong community service.
Tony passed away at the age of 56 on June 25
According to family and friends, he was more than just a sheriff’s deputy at the county jail.
To his wife of 25 years, Sherry Fedewa, he was a protector, friend and a constant source of safety.
“Tony was amazing, he really was,” Sherry recalled. “He was a great person. And you felt safe with him. I always did. He was like a protector, you know?”
The tale of Tony’s law enforcement life began in 1995 while working security at a Ferndale-area bar called Diamons & Spurs.
According to Sherry, their chance encounter at that bar evolved into a deep and lasting love. The pair ventured into the world of security together, working various music shows, festivals and even the Detroit Auto Show.
Two years later, on a trip to Las Vegas, Tony proposed to Sherry in the Old Town area during a sightseeing outing. Their love story was simple, genuine and built on a foundation of companionship.
Tony’s security career took an interesting turn when he began working with famous musicians. His role as a security guard led him to protect the likes of Gloria Estefan, Depeche Mode, Cheap Trick and Aerosmith.
Sherry remembered those times vividly and how her husband’s interactions with the rock legends turned into personal friendships.
“I do remember that Steven had jokes,” she reminisced about Aerosmith’s frontman Steven Tyler. “He was funny as hell, and he loved to be so witty. Tony would send him funny jokes every now and then, and I think Steven liked that.”
Tony’s involvement in the music scene was a family affair, with Sherry and their children often joining him on tours and enjoying the perks of the rockstar lifestyle. The family had the privilege of staying in five-star hotels, bypassing lines at theme parks and experiencing unforgettable adventures alongside some of the world’s most famous bands.
However, the glamorous side of the music industry also came with challenges. When Tony wasn’t accompanied by his family, he would be on the road for months at a time. Sherry recalled stories of babysitting young stars on the American Idol tour, highlighting the less glamorous aspects of his security gig.
Eventually, Tony’s focus shifted and he embraced a new chapter in life as a deputy sheriff in the Genesee County Jail.
His approach to the role was characterized by respect and empathy towards the inmates he interacted with.
Sherry reflects on his dedication: “He would talk to the inmates, and he treated them with respect. I think that helped. I think they gave him the respect he deserves.”
Earlier this year, Tony’s life took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing back pain.
Initially dismissed as typical aches, the pain persisted. A series of medical tests led to a devastating diagnosis — Tony was facing a form of lung cancer.
Tragically, he passed away less than two weeks after the diagnosis, leaving his family and community in shock.
Sherry finds solace in the knowledge that Tony’s suffering was brief, but she grapples with the loss of a life cut short.
Tony’s dedication to service and his vibrant spirit have left an indelible mark on the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the community he served.
As Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson expressed in a Facebook post, “Deputy Fedewa led a life of service as a leader in our Corrections Division and in the United States Army. Our hearts are with the Fedewa family and his Corrections family in this time of great loss.”
