Anthony E. Donati's Obituary
Anthony E. Donati, 74, of Syracuse, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2012 surrounded by his family and friends. The son of Italian immigrants, Joseph and Nancy, he was born in Syracuse and grew up on the North Side. He was a Private in the U.S. Army reserves. Tony graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Le Moyne College and attended Syracuse University. He was a tremendous athlete and football player, who was inducted into the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Le Moyne College, he became a teacher at Liverpool High School where he served as a football coach. A natural businessman and entrepreneur, he built and owned the Crossroads Tavern in Liverpool and operated it for 35 years, where he was famous for "Warm Beer and Lousy Food" and the best chicken wings in Syracuse. Tony was a strong advocate for businesses in the Syracuse area and a proponent for helping people in need. He learned how to play golf later in life at Lakeshore Yacht and Country Club, where he won the President's Cup and other honors. He was bilingual and loved to travel with his family and friends.
Tony will be remembered for his outgoing personality, incredible quick wit, and ability to engage and relate to people. His sense of humor and ability to make every day life funny was enjoyed by everyone who knew him.
He was predeceased by his brother, Frank Donati; sister, Louise Tobian and his mother-in-law, Ann Tezyk, who lived with him and his wife for 35 years.
Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Patricia (Tezyk) Donati; his two daughters, Lisa (Michael) Carlisto of Charlotte, NC and Jaclyn (Steven) Grosso of Cicero; three beloved grandchildren; his sister, Laura DelVecchio; several nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 am in Transfiguration Church. Entombment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Tony's family requests that donations be made to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208, an organization that he passionately supported.
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