Anthony Ratner

Anthony R “Tony” Ratner, 84, born May 12th, 1938, died October 6th, 2022, surrounded by his Family.

Tony Ratner was born in London England to parents Reina and Walter Ratner.

He later came to live in Pennsylvania in 1943 and was then a resident of Bradenton since 1955. Tony attended the Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton. Mr. Ratner attended and graduated from Manatee High school in 1956 and graduated from Sommers Business College. He later went back to teach at Manatee High School when a substitute was needed. Although limited in sight, Mr. Ratner was very accomplished. In his early years, Tony worked for the Bradenton Herald for many years. Later, he was the founder and owner of Florida Secretarial college in the early 1970’s, a school dedicated to training office administration staff. Tony was a published author and wrote “Out on a Whim”, and writer and composer of Christmas songs, namely “Remember December and Christmas”, “O Season Most Holy”, and others. Mr. Ratner was known by all as “Uncle Tony”. Using his uncanny wit, Tony was a free-lance writer for Jay leno for many years. Tony was a past president of Bradenton Civitan Club and honored as distinguished citizen of the year for the Civitan Club.

Tony is survived by his twin Sister, Genessa Brown of Bradenton, a sister, Pamela Benjamin (Arthur) of Sarasota, a niece, Linda Troxler (Bobby) of Parrish, Nephews Ken Brown of Bradenton, Richard and Jon Benjamin of Sarasota, Grand Niece and Nephews Joshua, Megan, and Shaun, and 4 great Grand nieces and nephews and Marley (the cat).

Services will be held at Shannon Funeral home located at 1015 14th street West, Bradenton, Florida on October 22nd, 2022, at 4 PM. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to be announced.

Tony will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “the Manasota Lighthouse”, a non-profit organization in Sarasota benefiting the blind, or Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton.