Tony D’Orazio is a graduate of Ohio Northern University, where he earned a dual major in psychology and sociology along with a teaching degree. While at ONU, he was voted captain of the university’s football team, reflecting his leadership both on and off the field.
Following college, Tony spent five years working with disadvantaged and behaviorally challenged adolescents at Parmadale St. Anthony’s Home, serving in roles that included child care worker, head cottage parent, case manager, and assistant program director. During his tenure, he was selected to lead an innovative initiative known as Pioneer Parenting, designed to better support youth and families.
Tony later built a successful 30-year career as an account executive for national disability and workers’ compensation organizations. In 2011, alongside his sons Ray and Jake, he founded Jacob’s Ladder Special Needs Fitness, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities through inclusive and adaptive fitness programming. Based at Christ Church in Columbia Station, Jacob’s Ladder currently offers 14 exercise classes per week and serves approximately 150 individuals within the disability community. The organization also employs four individuals with disabilities as fitness helpers and instructors, with plans to expand those opportunities.
Tony holds multiple fitness certifications focused on working with individuals with disabilities, including Special Strong and Autism Fitness. He is also a certified boxing instructor for people with Down syndrome through the “Down to Box” organization. Alongside his son Jake and other team members, Tony has led numerous “Basics of Boxing” classes for individuals with various disabilities throughout the greater Cleveland area.
An accomplished author, Tony wrote Down Right Joy, a five-star–rated book available on Amazon. He has also played a significant role in faith-based outreach, helping launch the first-ever Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) camps and huddle groups specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. To date, approximately seven of these camps have been held. Additionally, he helped initiate a monthly Bible study for the disability community, hosted on Facebook under the name Hearts On Fire.
Tony is a National Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and was honored to serve as quarterback for one of the most successful semi-pro football teams of all time. He is also an experienced public speaker, presenting at conferences and institutions on disability-related topics, including the 2025 national Key Ministry Conference, a Grand Rounds presentation for Cleveland Clinic physical therapists, and a 2025 presentation at Baldwin Wallace University.
Tony lives in Strongsville, Ohio, with his wife Karen and son Jake. His Christian faith and commitment to serving others were shaped early in life by his parents, Lou and Grace D’Orazio of Avon, Ohio.