Tony Armento - Armento Gym - passes away
http://detnews.com/article/20111021/OBITUARIES/110210367/Bodybuilder--trainer-taught-life-lessons
Bodybuilder, trainer taught life lessons
Mark Hicks/ The Detroit News
Tony Armento was once so well known among body-building enthusiasts in Detroit that the longtime gym owner earned the nickname "Master Blaster" for the intensive training he offered.
"Whoever wanted to be a hardcore builder, that was the gym," said Jamil Bouharb, a longtime friend and trainee. "He knew his stuff."
Mr. Armento died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011. He was 92.
Born Feb. 22, 1919, in Philadelphia, he moved to Detroit with his family when he was a year old.
After attending Miller High School, he worked at Chrysler and pursued bodybuilding.
Mr. Armento soon began competing in strength contests. He won a "Mr. Detroit" physique title, relatives said. He also won the Amateur Athletic Union's "Mr. Michigan" title in 1942-43 and represented the state in its 1942 "Mr. America" contest, ranking sixth, according to MuscleMemory.com, which compiles bodybuilding competition results.
Inspired by the gym he once worked for, he later launched Armento's Health Studio, near Seven Mile and John R in Detroit.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Armento helped train thousands in body building, weightlifting and physical fitness at the one-room facility — including scores of police officers, firemen and visiting professional athletes, relatives and associates said.
Regardless of the client, he was eager to share nutrition tips, show proper lifting techniques or even offer advice on dealing with personal issues.
"He was like a teacher. He taught them life lessons," said his daughter, Gina Jazowski. "He had one guy come up and tell him if it weren't for him he'd be dead or in jail."
Retiring in 1995, Mr. Armento devoted time to handiwork.
"He liked to do his own home repairs and build furniture," said his son-in-law, Steve Jazowski. "He was always upgrading things. He could do everything."
Mr. Armento also loved following local sports teams and reading up on history, politics and other topics.
"He could touch on any subject," said his nephew, Paul Cole. "He was quite an intelligent man."
Other survivors include two grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife, Annie, and a daughter, Donna.
A funeral Mass is 10 a.m. today at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1087 E. Gardenia, Madison Heights.
Burial is at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
