Tributes Paid To Talented Musician And Loving Father Tony Totts From Rochester

Tributes have been paid to a popular husband, father and talented musician.

Tony Totts passed away, surrounded by his family at home, on November 26.

Tony Totts from Rochester died at his home in November

He was diagnosed with gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, a rare type that starts where the food pipe joins the stomach, last year.

Eldest daughter Fiona said: “Dad was a kind, thoughtful, generous man and we’ll all miss him so much.”

The 67-year-old was born in Shoreditch, London, but moved to Rochester in 1999.

He married Maria in 1996 and together they had three children Fiona, Sophie and Dominic.

The management accountant had a lot of hobbies, including football, golf and collecting things including stamps, coins and vinyl records.

He was a West Ham fan and started attending matches with his brother and dad in the 1960s. He was even a season ticket holder this year and would often take his son Dominic to the games.

The night before he died, he heard the Hammers beat Newcastle on the radio 2-0.

Tony with his wife Maria and three children, Fiona, Sophie and Dominic last Christmas

Apart from his family and West Ham, his main love was music.

Tony joined The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps marching band at the age of 10 and attended a music school in London at the age of 12. He played percussion in The British Youth Symphony Orchestra at The Royal Festival Hall when he was just 14.

From the age of 15 he would play drums in various pubs in London, with his dad as a chaperone, and carried on playing until just a few months before his death.

Tony was responsible for band bookings at various venues in Medway and performed for many years at The Good Intent, The Eagle Tavern and The City Wall in Rochester.

Leon of City Wall Wine Bar Jazz Club: “Tony was a true gentleman, and a proud family man.

Tony with his sister, Sherry, and brother, Gregory

Tony (middle) with his brother Gregory, mum Pat and sister Sherry

“He had been a very good friend to me and I will remember with fondness all the good times we shared together, enjoying listening to many great jazz bands and indeed playing together on several occasions.

“He was always a friendly face at Sunday gigs and a popular player whenever he was in the drummer’s seat.

“He had been a supporter of local jazz for many years.

“We would like extend our deepest sympathies to Tony’s wife Maria, and their children; Fiona and partner Jack, Sophie and Dominic, and to all Tony’s family and friends.