Antonio S. Carrera

We come together to honor and celebrate the life of Antonio S. Carrera, a beacon of faith and courage, who met Jesus, his resurrected Savior and King on March 24, 2025. Born on May 10, 1935, in the beautiful country of Pangasinan, Philippines, Tony’s life was a true testament of God’s faithfulness and love with deep bonds of family.

Antonio is survived by his beloved wife, Felise V. Carrera (Ventillo), of 56 years. His children, Richard Carrera (Malike), Judy Dueker (Scott). His grandchildren Kelsey Carrera, Carolyn Carrera, Nia Carrera, Ayden Dueker, Noah Dueker, Josiah Dueker, and Grace Dueker. His brother Servillano S. Carrera (Felisa D.), sister-in-law Julie Estrada (Eduardo, Antonio’s best friend), brother-in-law Bernabe Ventillo (Linda), and along with many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews who remember him as a steadfast source of faith, strength and joy. His parents Isidro Castro Carrera Sr. and Theodora Sindayen Carrera greeted him in heaven upon his peaceful passing.

Antonio joined the United States Navy in 1967 and left with an honorable discharge after a physical injury prevented him from continuing his military service. He then worked as an accountant for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. He later became a business owner of multiple locations for the Shell Oil Company (25 years) and a restaurant owner of Club 800/Carrera’s in Rockland County, NY. Antonio enjoyed serving the Lord in his community and at any of his establishments, he was always ready to lend a hand to those in need, always with a cheerful and positive spirit. For over 40 years, Antonio was a devoted ministry leader at St. Joseph’s church. He faithfully served in numerous roles, including a Bible Study teacher, Choir member, Communion assistant, and a Scripture reader during Sunday masses. In the last 15 years he was part of the BLD (Bukas Loob sa Diyos - Open In Spirit To God) Covenant Community, and he enjoyed sharing the Gospel, being a Prayer Leader, and serving as a Worship leader with his beloved wife. He retired and moved to Rochester, NY where he cherished watching his grandchildren grow. He continued to worship His Lord and Savior at St. Lawrence Church and served with the BLD Community of Rochester, NY. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him with grace and humility. He leaves his children and grandchildren a lasting legacy of His love, compassion, and unshakable trust in Jesus Christ.

A Visitation will be held Friday, April 4, from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at Michael J Higgins Funeral Service, 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956.

A Mass of Victory will be held on Saturday, April 5, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, 245 N. Main Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977. A burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, 36 W. Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY 10954.

We give thanks to the Lord for the gift of eternal life bestowed upon Antonio and to all our family and dear friends for their love, care and prayers. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

For those led, please send flowers to Higgins Funeral Home at 321 South Main Street New City, NY. If the Lord directs, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following ministries: BLD Covenant Community Rochester, NY – Attn. Virna Pierson, CompassCare, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Wounded Warrior Project, Homefront Heroes Ministries, and Veterans for Christ.