Anthony "Tony" N. Okobi

Anthony Patrick Abueze Okobi was born to the late Gabriel and Lucy Okobi on September 10, 1948 in Lagos, Nigeria. On Friday, April 29, 2016 he was called to higher service. His early education was at St. Patrick Catholic School in Lagos, Nigeria and later at St. Anthony High School in Ljebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria.

In 1968, Anthony migrated from Nigeria to Germany, and later relocated to London, England in 1971. Anthony continued his education obtaining a Bachelors degree in Business from Greenwich College, London and was employed at Dart Container Lines.

In London, Anthony met the love of his life, Hazel, and on July 29, 1977 they became life long partners, and out of that union became parents of Francis and Nneka

In 1981 the family with their son Francis, relocated to New York. Anthony was employed at Manufacturers' Hanover Trust Bank for several years. He later joined the NYC Dept. of Sanitation as a Dispatcher. Always seeking advancement, Anthony later joined the US Postal Service. After vacationing in Las Vegas, Anthony was encouraged by his nephew Vernon to relocate the family. He followed the advice and transferred to the Las Vegas, Nevada branch. The family made Las Vegas their new home for the last 17 years. Due to health challenges, he was forced to take early retirement from the Postal Service.

Anthony was a gentle giant, a man of integrity, a family man who loved and provided well for his wife, children and grandchildren, a counselor to many who sought his advice on business and personal matters, a generous and kind man. He was a sports enthusiast, with a passion for football, soccer and tennis. Even though he lived in Las Vegas, he remained a loyal fan of the New York Giants and the New York Yankees. He was a classy dancer, moving to the drums of his homeland, to watch him waltz was a privilege. He loved reggae music. He loved traveling and when he enjoyed good health, he travelled to many countries, namely London, Germany, the Africa Continent, Brussels, Paris, Hawaii and Guyana. He was a great host who enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

He was a happy man who loved his God. His faith in God’s healing powers never wavered throughout his illness. On Wednesday, two days before his transition, Hazel observed Anthony with a radiant smile on his face. When she asked him if he has seen Jesus, he replied “yes”. When questioned further as to what was said, he said “I’m alright”.

Anthony leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife Hazel of 39 years, children Francis and Nneka Okobi, grandchildren Nicole and Tony. His brothers Michael (deceased) and Eluemuno, sisters: Veronica, Aina, Antonia, Chukwuyeim Okobi. Brother-in-law Basil McGowan, sisters-in-law, Lynette Williams, Jeanette Ellis. Cicely Roberts, Joan McGowan-Findley, Elsa Kum and Lorraine McGowan. Uncle of Pastor Ben Okobi, Vernon Williams, Rock Harding, Deborah, Audysha, Melissa, Sabrina, Jewel and Kimberly and many cousins and friends.

Anthony fought a good fight, he finished his course.

We will miss you Tony, we bid you farewell. Sleep in heavenly peace.