Anthony Ralph D'Avanza Jr.

Born on June 2, 1946, in New Orleans, LA, Anthony was a beloved Chef and Restaurateur whose heart and soul were poured into every dish he created. From his earliest days, food was not just sustenance but a way to bring people together and share love.

Anthony had a gift for bringing people together through his love of cooking. Whether he was catering a lively party or an intimate private event, his passion for food turned every gathering into a celebration, filling the room with warmth and happiness.

Anthony graduated from Jesuit High School in 1964 in Tampa, Florida. He attended dental school at Loyola University in New Orleans, studied pharmacy at the University of Florida, and studied marine biology at the University of Miami before earning a Bachelor's degree in Zoology and Chemistry from University of South Florida in 1970.

His adventurous spirit led him down many paths in the early 1970s. Around 1971–1972, he trained under Dr. Ida Rolf at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO, mastering the art of Rolfing, which reflected his deep commitment to holistic wellness. One of Dr Rolf's teaching techniques was to pick on a person and make them the sacrificial goat. She picked Anthony, everyone else would benefit from the sacrifice of that person, and they would become the best in the class. He survived. During this period, he also dove and cooked for Mel Fisher who searched for and later discovered the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita, using several vessels including the treasure hunter boat called the Dauntless and a survey boat named The Huntress. Between adventures, he dipped his toes into experimental farming for a few years with his father-in-law Roy Pippin at Ft. Lonesome Farms.

Anthony's true calling, however, was always in the kitchen. Alongside his mother, Selena, he opened Selena's Restaurant in 1979, where he built a loyal customer base with recipes from dishes lovingly prepared by Selena in her home for over 30 years. Later, in 1987, he opened Cafe Creole with his father Tony in Ybor City's historic El Pasaje building, where he was one of the first to help with the revitalization of Ybor City, bringing New Orleans Jazz music and live crawfish, fresh shucked oysters and other delicious seafood.

His culinary journey continued when Anthony moved to San Miguel de Allende in 2010 where he designed a new line of sausages for a gourmet Mexican sausage company. He developed natural Frankfurters, Italian, Bratwurst, Kielbasa, and Andouille, and Boudin Cajun Sausage and a low fat Chorizo under the name D'Avanza International Sausages ETC. Drawing from his Italian and Sicilian heritage and the wisdom of his two grandmothers and mother, Anthony's recipes reflected a lifetime of culinary experiences. Born in New Orleans, he mastered Cajun and French cuisine, but his travels took him far beyond Louisiana. Having lived and worked in Tampa, Miami, New York City, the Bahamas, Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, he naturally absorbed the flavors of each place—the Caribbean recipes of the Bahamas, the Spanish and Cuban dishes of Florida, and the Polynesian and Asian recipes of Honolulu.

We would be remiss to not mention one of his great mentors, Jacque Fresco with the Venus Project. Anthony read every book he ever recommended to him and spent many years sharing and promoting Jaques knowledge and ideas for a clean sustainable future.

"I was asked once, 'you're a smart man, why aren't you rich?' I replied, "you're a rich man, why aren't you smart?" ― Jacque Fresco

Anthony raised his son Nino by the golden rule—to care for all people equally and think independently. Together they explored the ocean depths of the Florida Keys, skied Colorado mountains, and traveled to Italy where they discovered family and their heritage. In the kitchen, where Nino was his sous chef, he passed on both his love of amazing food and his philosophy of compassionate, thoughtful living.

He is survived by his Son (Nino) Anthony R. D'Avanza III of Richmond, CA, ex wife Pattye Anne Pippin D'Avanza of Plant City; and brothers Corrado (Nora), of Tampa, FL, David of Melbourne Beach, FL, sisters Gina Kelly (Ted) of Tampa, FL, Maria Gray (Chris) of Louisville, KY; and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Tony and Selena D'Avanza and his brother Francis D'Avanza.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held in Tampa on November 15, 2025. We kindly ask that you reach out to Nino at [email protected] for further information regarding the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association alz.org in Anthony’s name and thank you to Compass Rose of Brandon for the last few months of his care!

Anthony's memory will live on in the hearts of all who shared a meal or a moment with him. His legacy of compassion, curiosity, culinary passion and love of family will continue to inspire.

We invite family and friends to join us in celebrating the life of Anthony Ralph D’Avanza Jr.

June 2, 1946 – September 28, 2025

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15th at Casa Santo Stefano from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Please come share memories, laughter, and love as we honor a remarkable life well lived.

📍 Casa Santo Stefano

1607 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33605

Your presence and stories will mean so much to our family as we remember Anthony together. 💙