A Tribute to Industry Icon Toni Pulone

On August 9^th, 2021, the industry lost one of its greatest advocates, and I lost one of my greatest friends.

Antonia “Toni” Pulone loved court reporters and court reporting with all her heart.  She lived her life with purpose in supporting and serving our wonderful profession.  She will be tremendously missed.

Toni served the Deposition Reporters Association of California (CalDRA) as a Founder, Past President, and Legislative Chair, and was a recipient of the highest honor they bestow–the Distinguished Service Award.

In California, Toni was tireless when it came to walking the halls of Sacramento advocating for court reporters.  She served as a “Depo Diplomat,” staying abreast of local codes and Federal Rules that impacted court reporting, answering questions from reporters as requested, and providing counsel around ethical dilemmas and unusual circumstances as they arose.  Toni always took your call, she never let you down, and she was there when you needed her.

Toni’s service to the industry stretched well beyond local boundaries.  On a national level, Toni served on many NCRA committees, was a regular speaker at national conventions, and was a beloved NCRF Angel.

Toni owned and operated Pulone Reporting Services for over three decades, building it into one of the most highly respected firms in San Jose.

I will always remember and love my friend Toni Pulone for her fun-loving and excitement-seeking self.  Toni was known for her love of shoes and shoe-shopping and always looked chic, classy, and fashionable.  She was a golfer who enjoyed spending time with her dear husband Michael out on the links.  Toni also loved to laugh, sing, and dance.  Did you know that she was a Flamenco dancer, and as recently as 10 years ago she was performing in Flamenco shows?  Whenever we traveled for conventions, if there was a piano in the lobby or in an empty hotel ballroom and someone sat down to play it, Toni would be the first one there to start singing along.  She was particularly great at singing show tunes and Frank Sinatra songs.  In the last year of her life, I would often text Toni Sinatra songs that she and I used to sing together.  One of the last tunes I sent her was Frank singing, “Love is Here to Stay,” and I told her how much we all loved her.  She texted back, “Grateful.  Can use all the love I can get.”

I believe Toni lived life the best way possible.  Anyone who knew her loved her.  I’m sure she felt that love.  May she rest in peace.