Antonio DeSantis

Antonio (Tony) DeSantis of Fort Myers, Florida passed away on September 26, 2025 at the age of 74. He was born in Giuliano di Roma, Frosinone, Italy on June 14, 1951. Tony graduated from Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York with a bachelor’s degree in History Education.

Tony built a successful business as a Burger King franchise owner in Chicago, Illinois, after a 15 year career with Burger King Corp in various management positions. In that role, he lived and traveled extensively throughout New England, an area of the country which he loved. In prior years, he had broad experience in the food service industry. Tony was truly a foodie who enjoyed hosting parties, cooking, grilling, discovering new recipes and restaurants.

He was an active member of his Fort Myers residential community, Colonial Country Club, holding several leadership roles. He was a valued resource to whom friends and neighbors often turned for help, advice, and guidance; he was widely known for his selfless volunteerism. Tony had a passion for golf, reading, music, travel, personal finance, and sports – both college and professional. From a young age, he was a basketball fan, with the Boston Celtics being his favorite team. But his #1 team would always be his home town Buffalo Bills.

Tony is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lelio and Faustina DeSantis. He is survived by his loving sisters, Anna DeSantis and Paola (the late Michael) Dylik. His memory lives on in his three nephews, Jacob (Ranna Okab) Dylik, his godson; Zachary (Kelly) Dylik; and Benjamin (Anna Pappas) Dylik. He is also survived by his two cherished great nephews, Ezekiel Dylik and Xavier Dylik. He is the proud and loving godfather of Todd (Laura) Mueller and Lauren (Donald) Ledonne (nee Ceccarelli). Tony is also survived by many aunts and cousins, both in the US and Italy, who are profoundly saddened by his loss. He was faithfully devoted to a host of longtime friends who were like family to him; they deeply loved and respected him throughout his life.

Tony chose to live a life of meaningful acts of service and love, as Christ modeled for us. In a final wishes document, he asked to be remembered as a “good citizen and a loyal friend”. For those who knew him, he far exceeded that goal. Although frugal with himself, he was giving and generous with others, especially his family. He spread his genuine goodness to all who knew him, always ready to offer a helping hand and to share his wisdom. His interpersonal skills were a hallmark, with an uncanny ability to put others at ease, make them laugh, and show a genuine interest and caring in their lives. He lived a life of hard work, honesty, and integrity, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. His Italian immigrant parents would be so proud of how he fulfilled their hopes and dreams.

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Parish Life Center of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33912. The mass will be preceded by a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2900 South Park Avenue, Lackawanna, NY 14218. All are asked to gather first at the main office before proceeding to the mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice, 2700 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. It is an organization which provided dignified care to Tony’s mother upon her death and has special meaning to him.