I don't think you can build up a character for 10 years and then show his death. It would be very hard to pull off correctly. I think we saw Tony die the only way we could have.
I think you can actually - look at Christopher for example. I agree with Enzobaker, I think it's probably more difficult to build a character up for 10 years and then NOT show what happens to him!
"Just When I Thought I Was Out - They Pulled Me Back In....."