Antonio D. Gelia

Antonio D. Gelia, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on November 13, 1935, in Cebu, Philippines, Antonio married his beloved wife, Barbara on June 13th, 1959.

Like many of his generation, he sought a better life for him and his family in America. He had gotten work in his field of Architecture and together with his wife, they would raise their family in New York. Their enduring love for each other and their children would create a lifetime of memories and successes.

Antonio worked at a prestigious Manhattan Architectural firm, where he contributed to the construction of iconic buildings that still stand across the skylines of Manhattan, Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Tony’s real gift though, was his dancing. Ballroom, Salsa, Tango, Bachata, Swing, he could do it all. Energetic, funny and charismatic, he was the polar opposite of his wife Barbara. He would teach his serious, guarded soulmate his dances which meant she could only dance with him. They celebrated life through dance, travel, family and community. They would spend 60 wonderful years together until she passed on September 2, 2019 with him by her side. He lost his dance partner for life and a bit of spring in his step. He died peacefully in his sleep joining her once again.

Antonio is also survived by his son Enrico, his wife Joanna, and their children, granddaughter Kalina and grandson Dylan, his second son Noel and his wife Marijo. He is also survived by his daughter, Victoria, her husband Thomas, and their son Daniel, and his youngest daughter, Antonia, her wife Lisa, along with her three step-daughters, Schuyler, Meghan, and Bridget. Additionally, he leaves behind three younger siblings, Dalmacio, Corazon, and Libert, who reside both near and far. Antonio's family and friends will forever cherish his joy for life, his playful antics and his brilliance.