The Flyers Alumni, especially those who played for the Philadelphia Phantoms, were greatly saddened yesterday to learn of the sudden and untimely passing of our old friend and teammate, Tony Voce on July 8, 2024. Tony was only 43 years old.
Just two weeks ago, many of us saw Tony at the Flyers Alumni Golf Invitational at Dupont Country Club in Wilmington. Tony was thrilled to see a host of friends and teammates from the Phantoms’ Calder Cup winning 2004-05 team, including Patrick Sharp, Dennis Seidenberg, Todd Fedoruk, and Riley Cote.
Tony always took pride in being the first Philadelphia native to play in the Flyers’ organization. After an excellent collegiate career at Boston College (two-time Hockey East First-Team honoree in 2001-02 and 2003-04 after being a Hockey East All Tournament Team honoree as a freshman in 2001), Tony joined the Phantoms for the next two seasons.
A favorite of teammates and Phantoms’ fans alike, Tony was a goal-scoring 5-foot-8 pepperpot on the ice. Off the ice, he had a good sense of humor, was a fun-loving type who put others in a good mood, and was a loyal friend to many. A devoted fan of all Philadelphia sports teams and something of a local legend in the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey hockey community, he never lost his passion for the game. Away from the rink, he worked for a time after his hockey career as a financial advisor.
Things went awry in Tony’s third season with the Phantoms. Fences were soon mended, and there were no lingering hard feelings. Tony finished the 2006-07 season with the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Later, he made several hockey-playing stops in Europe in Finland’s Liiga, Germany’s DEL, and Austria’s EBEL. He retired after the 2009-10 season. His fondest memories were of the 2009-10 season with the Phantoms.
Tony loved to be around the game, and was generous with his time. Voce coached minor hockey at Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell, NJ. He was beloved by the kids he coached. He also formed a bond with members of the Flyers Warriors,
Tony will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences go out to daughters Mia, Raya and Gianna, longtime partner Barb, the entire Voce family and Tony’s legions of friends both with the hockey world and whom he met outside the game.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Tony’s friend Tom Bunting has launched a GoFundMe campaign with all proceeds going to the care and welfare of Tony’s children. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. Within one day of the campaign launch, more than $25,000 was raised. For more information, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-secure-future-for-tonys-children?attribution_id=sl:f8edee1b-45fa-440c-8c31-294ff6d04b7a&utm_campaign=pd_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=twitter =