Word that Tony Poma of the iconic Tony’s Dogs died, spread quickly on social media after an announcement was posted by his stepson, state Rep. Jason Woolford. It’s not clear when Poma died.
Poma, 76, and Tony’s Dogs have been fixtures in Howell, both at his stand at ACE Hardware on Grand River Avenue as well as at community and special events. Also known for his trademark long mustache, Poma was grand marshal of the 2024 Fantasy of Lights parade in downtown Howell.
For years, Poma sold hotdogs at various locations and at community and special events.
In a statement, Howell Downtown said there were “not enough words to describe what a wonderful man Tony was.”
“For so many of us, Tony was a familiar and beloved face in downtown Howell and the community for years,” the statement said. “Whether you knew him personally or simply crossed paths with him around town, he had a way of making people feel welcomed, supported and appreciated.”
Poma underwent quintuple bypass surgery in September 2007, and another heart surgery in 2024.
A lifelong Howell resident, food cart skills were apparently in Poma’s blood: his grandparents used to sell vegetables from a cart on Byron Road when they first moved to Howell. As a teen, Poma sold merry-go-round rides for the grand opening of the then-Wrigley’s market. Wrigley’s went on to become other food markets, including the beloved Sefa’s; today, it is a Family Dollar store.
Poma got his 15 minutes of national fame in 2011 after the interview he did with his wife, Bev, and two friends in Tennessee was picked up by CNN. In 2011, while driving through Knoxville, the Pomas saw what they thought was a tiger and its cub on the side of I-75. It turned out to be a prank, and a good one at that after it fooled the Pomas, their friends, and lots of other drivers on the highway.
