Anthony Edward DiFalco

Born in New York City, Tony was the son of the late Anthony and Carmella “Millie” DiFalco. He was a chef by trade and by heart. Over the years, he worked at several restaurants, including his own namesake, DiFalco’s, on Kimball Avenue in Yonkers. The slogan said it all: Prices to Fit the Family Purse.

It wasn’t simply a restaurant—it was a family operation. His wife Helen greeted guests as hostess and, when needed, as waitress. On any given Sunday, one of the kids might be handing out bread baskets or clearing tables. Tony shared his love of food, his belief in hard work, and his quiet enthusiasm with everyone who walked through the door.

He was known for his big personality and his even bigger heart. A devoted dad, and a grandpa to any kid within reach, he was always ready with a smile, a story, or a word of encouragement. At the ballfield, he was instantly recognizable – his voice rising above the rest with his familiar refrain, “A little bingo!” No one quite knew what it meant but everyone knew what it did: his grandkids’ sports teams lit up.

Whether on his motorcycle, riding long, winding roads upstate with Helen; watching TV with his beloved dog, Claudius; volunteering at the food pantry; BBQing on the back porch, surrounded by family; or fishing off the dock at the end of Clint Finger Road, a cigarette loose between the fingers of his right hand—wherever he was, it was exactly where he wanted to be. He carried an ease with him—an unforced happiness, a deep contentment. It was his gift. Life hadn’t been effortless, but it had been good. And he knew it.

Family meant everything to him. Anyone who came to the house on Madison Hill more than twice became family. He carried his lifelong friends with him—from 58th Street in New York to Mt. Marion to Madison Hill—and he never let them go. Everyone was welcome. Everyone belonged. Nothing made him happier than family at Christmas—everyone gathered around the house feasting on baked ziti and the seven fishes and, of course, S&S cheesecake from the Bronx.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Helen; his children, Elaine (Tom), Carole, Anthony (Racquel), Terri (Jeff), Richard, and Mike; and his cherished grandchildren: Theresa, Thomas (Audrey), Sammi, Justin, Melissa, Anthony Jr, Gianna, Madison, Jackson and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sister, Maryann; his brother, Joey; and his dear friends Freddie and Marsha, as well as his sisters-in-law, Joan, Ellen,

and Audrey.

In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Anthony, and daughter-in-law, Teresa. He was also preceded by his brothers, Sal and Benny—who are, no doubt, already causing some trouble together in heaven.

Dad will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his easy humor. He loved freely, and people felt it. His legacy lives on in all of us and in the countless lives he touched; in shared meals and stories told again and again, and the quiet moments that now carry his absence. He remains, as all the best people do, in memory and in love.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 2:30 to 6:30 PM at Wanamaker and Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Community Food Pantry at cfpantry.org