By Joshua Lange
Mishawaka’s 5th Common Council District covers a substantial portion of the north side of the river. From north to south, it covers Day Road to East Lawrence Street. From east to west, it covers Capital Avenue to Main Street. The 5th District’s Common Councilmember is Anthony “Tony” Violi.
Councilman Tony is a lifelong northside Mishawakan and was born at the old St. Joseph Hospital downtown. Tony’s grandfather, Antonio Violi, was the first of his family to immigrate to Mishawaka, finding work at Ball-Band. Most Mishawaka Italians can relate to this immigration story, as a lot of their ancestors came here to work at Ball-Band, the former industrial powerhouse of Mishawaka. Councilman Tony’s father, Domenico “Dominic” Violi, immigrated to Mishawaka from Platì, Italy, back in 1958. Tony’s mother, Maria (Mittiga) Violi, immigrated from Italy in 1962.
Dominic, was a tailor and worked at Gilbert’s Clothing Store for 25 years. Maria, was a seamstress and a homemaker. Tony grew up living on East Lawrence St. He went to school at Battell, St. Monica’s, John Young, and graduated in Mishawaka High School’s Class of 1981. Tony attended Indiana University South Bend and graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting. While working at Hop-N-Shop in college, his friend, Joe Zappia, asked him to help coach little league football as Tony had played football as a Mishawaka Caveman. Tony reluctantly accepted and went to help coach later that day. After the first practice, he loved it and decided to make it work despite his packed schedule and stayed on as a coach for Mishawaka Catholic football for 36 years. He also became the president of the Intercity Catholic League (ICCL) for 26 years.
Councilman Tony has worked in the accounting industry for almost 40 years and currently works for Jeffery R Deitchley CPA PC. His company does the accounting for West End Bakery, owned by two former Mishawaka Catholic football players he coached, Dan Olson and fellow councilmember, Matt Mammolenti. Councilman Tony told me that he is so proud to see the kids he helped coach, grow up and do remarkable things for our community like Dan and Matt.
Councilman Tony first got into municipal politics when Mayor Jeff Rea appointed him to be on a committee. Under the Mayor Dave Wood administration, Tony was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board, where he worked his way up to Vice President.
When former 5th District Councilmember, Mike Compton was retiring, he endorsed Tony to be his successor given his long commitment to helping the community. Councilman Tony was elected to his first term in 2023 and currently has the following assignments: Utilities, Public Health & Safety, Public Improvements, as well as Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee. He is also the Mishawaka Common Council’s appointee to the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG). As a lifelong northsider, a member of the Diloreto Club, and a member of St. Monica’s Parish, Councilman Tony Violi is truly honored to have been elected to represent the people of Mishawaka’s 5th District.
Articles by Josh Lange 
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