Tony Staiano saw his father suffer after a military skydiving accident damaged his back. It had a lot do to with the health-conscious lad's decision to study chiropractic medicine.
He started classes at Marietta's Life University before transferring to Logan College in Chesterfield, Mo. There, he earned a life science degree and doctorate of chiropractic degree, then returned to Atlanta and eventually opened a practice.
Relatives marveled at his expertise.
"Technically, he was an excellent chiropractor, said his father, Joseph Staiano of Tucker. "He was good and he made me proud."
"Basically, he adjusted all of us," said Mark Staiano, a younger brother who lives in Athens.
Mr. Staiano had always been into fitness and body sculpting. As a teen he wrestled, played soccer and competed on swim and dive teams. He became a certified personal trainer, and earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Georgia State University. He was crowned Mr. Atlanta 1994 in the bantam weight division as a bodybuilder.
Years ago, the CSI TV show fan took a tumble down a stairwell that injured his side and required steady treatment. Recently, the pain had intensified. Other issues arose that included the death of a beloved dog and the demise of a relationship.
On Dec. 10, Dr. Anthony "Tony" Staiano died at his home in Atlanta. He was 40. A funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at All Saints Episcopal Church. A full military burial will be at 1 p.m. in the National Cemetery in Canton.
Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in New York. H.M. Patterson & Son, Spring Hill chapel, is handling arrangements.
In 1988, Mr. Staiano graduated from The New School, a now-shuttered campus in Sandy Springs. He had dreamed of becoming a Navy Seal, and joined the military. He served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm during his four years in service.
"He didn't follow me into the Army because he wanted to be a Seal," his father said. "However he became disqualified because he'd had asthma. He served on the USS Eisenhower."
In 2004, he started his own chiropractic clinic, Atlanta Health & Wellness, LLC, and in August this year he joined ranks of Buckhead Health & Wellness.
Relatives say all appeared well given outside appearances, but apparently the veteran's life was in disarray. His dog Pladoe, a bull terrier and 10-year companion, died a month ago. He had recently gotten out of an unhealthy relationship. Pain from the fall had become chronic.
"The message for people is to be aware of the signs and not necessarily be fooled by the person's jovial attitude," his father said. "And people contemplating suicide should seek help. Call the crisis lines and let people talk to you."
Additional survivors include his mother, Sandra Staiano of Marietta; and his father's life partner, Todd Robinson of Tucker.
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