Tony Mobilia was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and attended the High School of Industrial Art (which later became the High School of Art & Design) in New York City. He studied at Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, and the Art Students League. He began his career in advertising at 17, and spent 44 years in the business. He retired from Grey Advertising as vice president/creative supervisor/art director. One of Tony’s many memories from his advertising years is when he interviewed a young, deeply shy, Andy Warhol for an illustration position; while he did not get the job, Tony encouraged him to keep at it.

He and his wife, Dorothy, and two sons moved to Norwalk, CT in 1971, where he became involved in the waterfront and art scenes. After buying a sailboat, Mobility, he loved to sail on Long Island Sound, visiting the various nearby islands. He joined the Norwalk Power Squadron, later called the Norwalk Sail and Power Squadron, and rose to commander. He was appointed by the Mayor and City Council to the Harbor Commission, serving a term as its chair before taking on his other leadership duties. Tony also served as advisor and Committee chair for Sea Explorer Ship Six.

In 2008, Tony joined the newly formed St. Philip Artists Guild (SPAG) and became very involved in its mission and leadership. In addition to providing sweat equity in renovating the historic Manice Lockwood Mansion, home of SPAG, Tony also spearheaded the Sheffield Island Summer Series, now in its eighth year. [Sheffield Painting] The Series coordinates local artists who gather to paint views of the Sheffield Island lighthouse, or other local coastal scenery, and then display the works within the lighthouse during the Summer. When the lighthouse closes for the season, the works are brought back to SPAG and displayed during one of the Fall exhibits. The series has exposed local artists to visitors from around the world.

Tony’s most recent project was the Traffic Graphic public arts project, which consisted of painting colorful scenes on utility boxes around the city. The most recent utility box, featuring musical instruments, is located on the traffic island opposite the Norwalk Public Library.

Tony’s artwork has always been based on water themes and Norwalk’s everyday life. Working in oils, acrylics and watercolors, Tony’s art reflects a love for the sea, his hometown and its people.

A project dear to Tony’s heart for the past decade has been St. Philip's Midnight Run, in which parishioners collect food, clothing and other supplies for distribution to homeless men and women in New York City. This ministry was very important to Tony and he valued the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life.

Tony’s spirit, exemplified by his compassion, work ethic and creativity, will continue to be an integral part of SPAG.