 During World War I he served as a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps (1917–1921) and in 1921 engaged in the real estate and the insurance brokerage business.He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Kings Co., 9th D.) in 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929 and a member of the New York City Board of Aldermen from 1930 to 1934.Tonry was elected as a Democrat to the 74th United States Congress, holding office from January 3, 1935 to January 3, 1937.