The life of Tony Bleasdale OAM, the much-loved mayor of Blacktown who was known as a passionate advocate for the people of his area of Western Sydney, was celebrated at his funeral on Monday, 20 May.
Hundreds of mourners filled Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, in Horsley Park, for the service which was led by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, the Bishop of Parramatta.
Attendees included Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier Prue Car and several local Labor MPs from state and federal parliament, including Chris Bowen and Ed Husic, as well as councillors and staff from Blacktown council.
During the service, Tony was remembered as a “passionate community builder” and “problem solver” who loved helping people, a proud union and Labor Party member, but most of all a loving husband and devoted family man.
He grew up in an Irish-Catholic family in Liverpool, England, after WWII when life was hard and the family often had just one meal a day. Arriving in Sydney by boat in 1963, he spent 40 years in the building industry, including time as a bricklayer and union official, before entering local politics in 1996 as a councillor on Blacktown council.
A screenshot of former Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale during his funeral at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Horsley Park, on Monday 20 May 2024. Image: Funeral Video Australia/Supplied
He remained on the council for the rest of his life, spending the last five years as mayor. He died on his way home from leading a council delegation to China and Korea.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent praised Tony’s tireless work as a champion of Western Sydney and his compassion for those less fortunate.
“He worked hard and fought hard for the people of the City of Blacktown,” Bishop Vincent said.
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“Perhaps being a migrant himself, he had a deep empathy and compassion for those who struggle to make a new life in Australia. Tony was particularly passionate for his disadvantaged constituents and First Nations peoples.
“His going has left us with an emptiness but also with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that he has blessed the lives and relationships of so many.”
A screenshot of Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, delivering the homily during the funeral of former Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Horsley Park, on Monday 20 May 2024. Image: Funeral Video Australia/Supplied
Bishop Vincent said that Tony had “given his everything to the world, he has accomplished his mission and now there was nothing left to wait for but grace, mercy and the fullness of love which is to be revealed to him”.
“We give thanks to his life, richly lived and generously shared,” Bishop Vincent said.
Tony’s son Nicholas Bleasdale spoke of an “exceptional father” who would help anyone if they asked for it.
“We are grateful we had him in our lives for as long as we did, and we are grateful to you that you shared him with us.”
He said his father’s last duty as mayor on the trip to Korea and China was in the service of the people of Blacktown. “He knew that if you extended the hand of goodwill, the people of Blacktown would prosper.”
But ultimately his father’s life was a love story of “a boy from Liverpool meeting his Greek princess”, his wife of 62 years, Nina.
A screenshot of Nicholas Bleasdale delivering words of remembrance during the funeral of former Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Horsley Park, on Monday 20 May 2024. Image: Funeral Video Australia/Supplied
Brad Bunting, who replaced Tony as Blacktown mayor, told the congregation that Tony was comfortable mixing with – and respected at – the highest levels of politics, but that he was happiest with people who he met in his duties as mayor.
“He would chat all day with residents at pop-up forums; as he used to say, ‘feedback from our residents is council’s greatest planning tool’.”
Blacktown City Councillor Susai Benjamin OAM, who was on the plane with Tony when he died, paid tribute to him after the funeral, saying he had been a dedicated mayor who was “always available” and “very friendly”.
Mubina Jamdar, who works in Blacktown and also attended the funeral, told Catholic Outlook that Tony “was always willing to help no matter who knocked on his door”.
“He never said no to anybody…he genuinely cared about people,” she said.
A view of the funeral of former Blacktown City Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Horsley Park, on Monday 20 May 2024. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
We extend our deepest sympathies to Tony’s wife, family, friends and the Council community and ask that you join us in prayer:
