A LIFETIME AT THE Y
“I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the Nashua Y. I had never seen a gym before,” shares Anthony “Tony” Mandravelis, reflecting on his first visit to the Y at just seven years old. Little did Tony know that the Y would become such a significant part of his life.
Today, Tony is the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s longest-standing member. At nearly 88 years old, he has been a part of the Y for an incredible 80 years. He joined in 1944, when the Y was located on Temple Street. As a young boy, Tony would walk there with his mother, who worked at a nearby shoe store. She would drop him off before her shift and pick him up at the end of the day. Tony spent his time playing basketball, ping pong, and other games with friends.
Back then, the Y was divided by age groups: younger kids gathered downstairs, while older, high school-aged youth used the upstairs area, which housed pool tables. Tony recalls how the Y served as a melting pot, bringing together children from diverse backgrounds. His own family, of Greek heritage, lived in Nashua’s Greek neighborhood, but at the Y, he made friends from all over the city. “All the kids would say, ‘I’ll meet you at the Y.’ It was the greatest babysitter in the world,” Tony says.
As Tony grew, so did his bond with the Y. It remained a part of his life through high school. His sister worked next door at the YWCA, where the two organizations often held dances, creating opportunities for socializing and fun.
After high school, Tony served in the Army for two years, then attended school for hair design. He met his wife, Patricia, and the couple shared many happy years together until her passing 14 years ago. They raised two children, Michael and Tracy, who were also active at the Y. Through it all, Tony remained committed to fitness and attributes his longevity to staying active. “As long as you’re moving, that’s the key to life,” he says.
Fifteen years ago, Tony retired but remained a fixture at the Y, even volunteering with the organization’s board initiatives. When he decided to downsize his home and leave the Nashua area, his biggest concern was leaving the Y. Thanks to the YMCA’s Nationwide Membership Reciprocity program, Tony was able to continue his membership and stay connected, even while splitting his time between York, Maine, and Stratham, New Hampshire.
Tony’s reflections on his decades at the Y are heartfelt. “All the fellas I started with at the Y are gone, but we had some really great times,” he shares. He credits the Y with helping him stay physically, mentally, and socially active throughout his life. “It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me. The Y has been a part of my life; it always has been, and it always will be.”
The YMCA of Greater Nashua is undoubtedly better for having had Tony as part of its community, and his story is a testament to the lasting impact of a lifelong connection to a place that feels like home.
Tony’s 80-year journey with the YMCA of Greater Nashua is a testament to the power of community, wellness, and lifelong connections. Join us in making a lasting impact—your donation helps ensure more individuals have access to a welcoming space where they can build friendships, stay active, and experience a true sense of belonging for generations to come.