“These things come in threes,” my father used to say. And, yes, celebrity deaths often at least seem to do just that.
But what happens when three pillars of our wrestling community pass away and don’t quite receive the recognition they deserve?
These Things Come in Threes
– Celebrating the Lives of “Shooter” Tony Jones, Hector Bosa & Dr. Thom Parks
Well, we tragically lost a trio of great men within a month. I am very grateful to honor them here: “Shooter” Tony Jones, Staten Island Public Access talk show host Hector Bosa, and Arizona-based wrestler/manager Dr. Thom Parks.
Jones grew up in San Francisco and was an all-around athlete. Jones, an amateur wrestler, also engaged in track and field and played football.
The tremendously built 6’5, 270 pounder was trained at Roland Alexander’s All Pro Wrestling school, where he debuted in 1997.
“Shooter” is well remembered for his successful APW runs. He had a sizzling feud with Vic Grimes and held the APW Universal Tag Team Championship with Jay Smooth, billing themselves The Westside Connection.
He later teamed with Steve Rizzono. Jones and former foe Modest eventually combined forces as Wrestling Inc.
Tony had WWF and WCW tryouts, attended the WWF dojo and WCW Power Plant, and did some WWF shots as enhancement talent, although he was never signed.
“Beyond the Mat” – Boot Camp and Tryout segments. All Pro Wrestling talent, Michael Modest and Tony Jones try out for the WWF. – here
Jones campaigned for the notorious XPW, innumerable indies, and toured Japan twice. A highly respected and reliable pro, you’d be hard-pressed to find a single soul in wrestling with a harsh word to say about Tony Jones.
His sudden death from a heart attack at age 53 while watching TV shocked and saddened all who knew and loved him.
Wrestling and Everything- Coast to Coast Interview With Tony Jones (2021)
Wrestling and Everything- Coast to Coast Tony Jones Tribute Show – here
57-year-old Hector Bosa passed away on May 3rd. A talk show host, he was a true champion of independent wrestling.
Staten Island, New York based Bosa produced public access shows Independent Wrestling Highlights since 2010 and The Home Invaders Show since 2007; both regularly featured East Coast indie wrestlers.
An actor and colorful character in his own right, Hector was also a beloved member of the Arts community.
Rosanna Robertson, who worked with him on his various programs, described Hector as “…someone who would help anyone that needed it, no matter how great or small that need was.
He made us laugh, his charm was infectious, and he never gave up on people or himself. He saved my life and made me reach goals and have experiences I never imagined I’d live to see happen in my life.
Robertson continued in her praise for Hector:
He survived Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and I was blessed to be there for him. His friends prayed for and visited him, and he made it through.
Although it was the first of many maladies that he suffered through due to 9/11, it wasn’t those illnesses that directly took him from us.
It was the resulting trauma from a car accident that took almost six weeks to cause him to leave us all behind.
He was always a fighter with a big heart and soul, but this was a battle he was destined to lose.”
Hector’s last wish was to be buried with his grandparents if anybody could be kind enough to help: HERE
Indie wrestler, manager, and wrestling historian Dr. Thom Parks, age 56, lost his battle after a stroke.
An eclectic, intelligent, caring human being who loved pro wrestling, our mutual friend Dale Pierce (who is also gone now) wrote the following about him years ago:
He has instead been devoting time to political and religious issues and book publishing.
Hicks became involved with wrestling by publishing a newssheet, then started to work as a photographer, and finally, adapting to the new Parks name, became a referee and occasional wrestler.
In the early 1990s, he moved to Arizona, where he saw action as a photographer. RC Preston and other promoters eventually roped him into referee work for Phoenix area shows.
In the late 1990s, he became a manager, again under the Thom Parks name, and generated great heat from the crowd during his brief run.
Hicks/Parks also founded the popular Arizona Wrestling Legends website and was involved with the Arizona Old Timer Reunions along with the late Cowboy Bob Yuma.
As Arthur Miller eloquently said in Death of a Salesman, “Attention must be paid to such a man,” and these beloved gentlemen came and served.
All were relatively young, in their 50s, but they touched many in their time here.
Rest in peace and power, Tony, Hector, and Thom.
“You done good.” Yes, “You done good.”
