 Tony, "Toto"  after 30 years time goes so fast. It is amazing it seems like yesterday we were laughing eating drinking having fun in  Houston doing our concerts and being the talk of the Town.  From Sammy Davis Jr to Ronnie Dangerfield the times we had! Life brought us together  and live separated us. However we will meet in internity.  You were one of the best friends a person who would always be blessed to have.  A person who would  stand up for you as a person who would always stand up for their friends or family a true man of honor .
My good friend a man of honor a person with a huge heart now preparing the best dishes for St. Peter and the Good Lord.
I will miss you for the rest of my life until I see you again in The Kingdom of the Lord. Your eternal friend,

Tony Rao was one of the greatest managers I have ever had (at "Grotto on Woodway and on Westheimer at 610 for 7 years). Down to earth, humble, and always smiling. So much experience and never a bad attitude towards his staff and workers.A total delight to work for him, and have as a Boss. Old staff used to tell me how in his best days when owning "Rao's" on Greenway plaza He always bought turkeys and toys for all his restaurant workers (and son's) on Christmas. He was a fantastic human being regardless of your social status. Godspeed, Tony. And when the time comes we will see you again. You will be missed "Big Dog".

RIP Toto

we had us a time!!!! everyone knew us and we knew everyone. It was an amazing time for both of us. May God bless your wonderful family.

Tony Rao and I were friends for 34 short years!

During that 34 years we were very close especially in the past 18 years.

Tony and I traveled to many places and he was such a pleasure to be with at all times. We in Panama City Panama, Puerto Penasco "Rocky Point Mexico"New York City. 

For Toto's 50th Birthday I took him to  Bangkok Thailand where we went to the World Champion Iron Chef competition then traveled to the Island of Koi Samui...where Tony immediately sought out the best places to eat from 5 star restaurants to corner food stands...he was the very best at finding great food every where we traveled.He met all of my wife's family in Thailand and cooked for them they all loved him and his food and to this day always ask how he is doing.

As a Chef making great food is where you could actually taste Tony Rao's LOVE as he put his heart into every dish he prepared.

Equal to his love and heart he would put into his signature food he would put the same heart and love into his family and friendships...anyone who knew him will know this is true...he was so very special and made everyone feel good and when you were with Tony you in fact did feel good.

My wife Nusara and Tony also had a very special friendship as she went to Culinary Art School in Bangkok Thailand and taught Tony how to make some Thai dishes which Tony loved Thai Food.

All 5 of my kids Jayson, Skylar, James, Ploy and Lala called him "Uncle Tony"

I spoke to Tony last Saturday at 4:15 CST just hours before he passed away the next morning ...he was planning to come to see me after his scheduled surgery the last thing we always said to each other without exception  after we talked on the phone was "I love you my brother"...his voice will be forever be in my ear with those words...and they are the perfect last words for such a loving and kind hearten man like My Dear Friend Tony Rao...

I am blessed to have had such a dear friend in this life like Tony "Toto" Rao I will carry our friendship in my heart everyday until we meet again...I love you my brother from a different mother ! 

To all of his Family Ashley Nicole Rao and son, Anthony Joseph Rao Jr.; his mother Josephine Rao; his sister Jo Ann Rao Johnson and husband Walter; his brothers Luke Charles Rao and Paul Michael Rao and Megan Williams...

My family and I extend to you all our deepest sympathy and loving thoughts we are with you in spirit and in our prayers today and every day.

With Warmest and Kindest Regards,

Henry "Hank" Altman

I was deeply saddened by the news of your loss. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. You have my deepest condolences. I understand that there are no words and assurances that can help you overcome the grief you have, but I hope that the presence of friends and loved ones will provide you some comfort. Keep up your faith and strength, and God will take care of the rest. May my friend rest in peace. Much love.

Tony's death is more than sad. D'Amico's is one of my all-time favorites and my kids practically grew up there. I had my first risotto at Tony's restaurant in Greenway; it was the standard-setter for risotto I've had since. Absolutely perfect. Condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

To Josephine and the Rao Family, 
I am so sorry for your loss, May God bless you all and give you the strength
to get through this in your time of need my thoughts and prayers are with all
of you. 
NOW,  GOD HAS A NEW CHEF AND HEAVEN.

To Josephine and the Rao Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, May God
bless you all and give you the strength
to get through this in your time of
need my thoughts and prayers are with
all of you. 
NOW, GOD HAS A NEW CHEF AND HEAVEN.

Barbara and Joe V. Colonnetta

My deepest condolences to Anthony's family and May God's faith keep them strong. I got the pleasure of meeting Tony when he was a young man attending St. Thomas through mutual friends. He was always a joy to be around and always a friend to everyone he met.

So sorry to hear about Toto. 
My deepest sympathy to his family and close friends.

Linda Reichardt

Dear Rao Family, My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Anthony. My brother, David Sliva called me to tell me about Anthony's passing. He was so young, and yet, his father was so young when he passed. I am heartbroken for you all, it was a life taken way too soon. I am certain that he is happy in heaven, reunited with his Dad, in the eternal glory of God and heaven.  My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Very sorry to hear this. He always made me and my family feel so welcomed any time we saw him.

My deepest condolences to the Entire Rao Family.
God's Speed and Rest in Peace.!!

Your Friend,
Eddie Rangel

 Jesus words at John 17:3 offer us comfort and hope in how we can see our beloved ones again. In loving memories of your loved one, Anthony.

Friends and family have welcomed Tony into Heaven with open arms and an abundance of love and celebrating as he joins them in eternal life.  May this bring joy, in time, to those he has left behind on earth. It goes without saying that our Dad, Dr.Sam Governale, is enjoying Tony's amazing company in Heaven as they reminisce about family, food, wine, restaurants, etc. While his passing is much too soon, may Tony's positive spirit and talent of hospitality be an inspiration to all.  Tony will always have a special place in our hearts.
With Love & Prayers - The Governale Family

I am so sorry for the loss and will keep your family in my prayers.

Man, I can't express how saddened I am by this. You were a great boss and you will forever be missed. My heart aches knowing you won't be here on this earth but it also celebrates the fact that you are with the Father and in no more pain.  God bless the family and I hope you find comfort in your time of need.

We all loved Tony and he will be greatly missed at Laurenzo's.
Jim Otto

Tony was a joy to know.  Working with Tony these past few years, I loved him as a colleague and a friend.  Tony had a great heart.  Prayers for the twins Tony loved so much.

OBITUARY

Anthony Joseph "Toto" Rao

14 May, 1956 – 19 June, 2016

Earthman Funeral Directors

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