On a mountaintop in California sits a poster of Tony Poma. He’s also been remembered inside a cafe in Rocky Top, Tennessee, by service members at an army base in Kentucky, and by residents of Branson, Missouri.
Despite living in Howell, Michigan, his entire life, the loss of Tony Poma — owner of Tony’s Dogs — was felt across the United States.
“He’s definitely impacted people even outside of his community,” said his stepdaughter, Alison Krug.
Poma’s death was announced May 6 by his stepson, State Rep. Jason Woolford, on social media. The majority of area residents know Poma for his famous hot dog cart, but he’d been involved in the community since his youth.
Poma was born in Howell on March 11, 1950, to Italian immigrants. He grew up on North Street, and his first job involved running a merry-go-round in front of the now-closed Sefa’s Market.
In 1980, he opened Poma’s Pizza, with locations in Dexter and Chelsea. According to former employee Amy Cervantes, the pizzerias made their own dough, shredded fresh mozzarella cheese and “never skimped” on toppings.
“In the 11 years that I worked there, I’ll always remember Tony blasting (a) cassette tape while singing into the broomstick,” Cervantes said. “Tony and Bev Poma … always felt more like second parents than employers.”
In 1998, Poma stepped away from making pizza. That same year, Krug’s husband bought Poma a hot dog cart from Ann Arbor.
“That’s when he became the Tony everybody remembered,” she said.
Poma began selling hot dogs in front of Sefa’s, a “full circle” moment from his early days working the merry-go-round. Soon enough, he was selling hot dogs at Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as special events — including local fairs and festivals, car shows, weddings and graduations. Poma continued to sling dogs for over 25 years.
“He was working up until the very end, even when he wasn’t feeling great,” Krug said.
Poma had many passions, but most of his interests tied into his love for engaging with those around him. He was president of the Brighton Kiwanis Club and was selected as grand marshal for Howell’s 2024 Fantasy of Lights Parade. Perhaps most importantly, he offered a friendly ear to customers at his hot dog stand.
Roger Falin, of Howell, said he spent several hours talking with Poma after losing a family member.
“(He) showed me there’s way more to live for, not just little things but everything — the good and the bad,” Falin said. “Even if you aren’t really close to him, he always made you feel like you were family, and it’s hard to find that in people nowadays.”
Poma is survived by his wife, six children, 17 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Even though he’s not her biological father, Krug said Poma was “the only dad (she’s) ever known.”
“He was the dad that he didn’t have to be,” she said, recalling fond memories of watching movies, bike riding and attending daddy-daughter dances.
“He just loved people,” she added.
A celebration of life is planned for Poma at Community Bible Church on Friday, May 22.
— Ari Hickman is a senior at Brighton High School and a freelancer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: ‘He just loved people’ Tony Poma mourned across the United States
Reporting by Ari Hickman, Special to The Daily / Livingston Daily
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