BIOGRAPHY

Commissioner Anthony “Tony” Paradiso was appointed as a commissioner by the Seneca County Republican Central Committee in July 2019 and completed the term of former commissioner Holly Stacy, which expired at the end of 2020. In January 2021, Paradiso was elected to a four-year term. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and an Associate of Science from the University of Cincinnati. Paradiso began his professional career in 1980 as a business teacher and football coach at Norwalk High School. He then owned and operated a convenience store in Tiffin from 1981 to 1983. In 1983, Paradiso became an insurance agent specializing in life, disability, and annuity sales for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance in Tiffin. He left Northwestern in 1991 and played a key role in the purchase of Tiffin Insurance Agency, which he later transformed into Heritage Insurance in 1996. In 2002, Heritage merged with Cavalear Insurance and the Ohio Benefit Group to form Celaris Group, where Paradiso served as President of the Financial Services Division. He was responsible for centralizing operations, developing personnel, and implementing various compensation plans. In 2002, Sky Insurance purchased the agency, and Paradiso served as Senior Vice President from 2002 to 2004. From 2004 to 2008, he was the Development Manager for Majestic Golf Club in Lehigh Acres, Florida, overseeing land acquisitions, sales, and construction. From 2008 to 2012, Paradiso served as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Maumee Valley Fabricators/RLM Fabricating in Toledo. From 2013 to 2019, he was a co-owner of BAS Broadcasting, a company that owns seven radio stations, including AM 1600 WTTF in Tiffin. Paradiso’s first meeting as commissioner was on August 9th. Paradiso currently serves as board president. 

 

Get to know your commissioners

Favorite local restaurant: It’s difficult to choose, there are so many great restaurants across the county. I like the various small-town restaurants.

Favorite road in the county: I just like driving the countryside in my truck and on my motorcycle. Driving the various scenic country roads of the county is an enjoyable experience. Some of these are very well portrayed in Andrew Kalnow’s recent book, Our Town and Country. When I was seeking the appointment to this position, I traveled a lot of county roads I haven’t been on in a while.

Favorite park in the county: I have two, Garlo Park, my grandson went to the Out & About pre-school there. We also love Steyer Park because we live close and enjoy the park.

Why did you want to be a commissioner: I am at a point in my life where it was time to pay back. The timing is right for me personally, and I want to serve. I think the stars are aligned for us in the county to keep doing good things and I want to contribute to that. As I went and met the people who put me in this chair, they told me not to forget about rural America. I won’t do that. As commissioner it’s not just about the city, but about the entire county. The townships, the villages, all the people.

Favorite U.S. President: Ronald Reagan. He was a great communicator. He’s that old-time movie star, just a class guy. When Reagan came into office we became more patriotic. He was all about the flag, the military, being strong. He re-energized the nation and brought the country together. It was a good time to be around when he was president.

Hobbies: I’m a huge Cleveland Browns Fan, I’ve been a season ticket holder for 31 years. I also love spending time with my seven grandkids. I’m a gun guy, I used to spend a lot of time hunting. I’ve hunted all across the country, including in Alaska. I love the outdoors. I also love spending time with friends and family. I am a former pilot. One other interest I have is in military history. I’ve traveled to several military bases, battlefields and cemeteries.

Interesting fact most people don’t know: I’m actually named after my uncle, Anthony J. Paradiso. He was killed in Europe in World War II. My cousin Tony Paulus is also named after him. Paulus started the Sgt. Anthony Joseph Paradiso Support the Troops Fund, which benefits veterans in need in Seneca County. I’m very proud of my uncle. 

Favorite music: I’m an oldies guy. I love Bob Seger, REO Speedwagon and The Beatles. That kind of music. I listen to WTTF.

Favorite TV show and/or movie: The Godfather, Saving Private Ryan and Forrest Gump.

Current committee assignments:

Ottawa-Sandusky-Seneca Solid Waste District

Health Insurance Advisory

District Health Advisory Board

Children and Family First Council

Community Improvement Corporation

Seneca Regional Planning Commission

Issue 1

Local Emergency Planning Commission

Ohio State University Extension Office

Fostoria Economic Development Corp.

Land Bank

IT Advisory Committee

Opiate Task Force