Anthony Lee Licata Sr.

Anthony “Tony” Lee Licata, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and iconic New Orleans musician, passed away peacefully at his home in Covington, Louisiana, on November 6, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 27, 1937, to the late Anthony Joseph Licata and Aline Mae Wattigney Licata, Tony was raised in Algiers on the Westbank alongside his sister, Ramona. As a young man, he spent fond days swimming in Lake Pontchartrain, as well as boating and catching seafood with his grandfather and uncles. Tony attended Belleville Elementary and Holy Name of Mary before graduating from Behrman High School in 1957, where he performed with the marching band, concert band, and dance orchestra.

Music was the heartbeat of Tony’s life for over 35 years. Though he initially studied saxophone under Professor Mineta, it was clear early on that his true calling was behind the drum kit. His talent quickly made him a fixture of the local music scene. Over the decades, Tony shared his gift across countless stages, performing with The Syncopaters (alongside Frankie Ford), The 4 Penguins, The Esquires, The Deacons, Tony Almarico’s All Stars at the Parisian Room on Royal Street (playing alongside jazz legends including Pete Fountain), and occasionally with Red Schroder’s Orchestra on the Steamboat Natchez.

In 1957, Tony represented the United States at the Pan American Music Festival, performing across Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic with the NORD Dixieland Band—even appearing on local radio and television broadcasts for the Voice of the Dominican Republic. In recognition of his enduring contributions to the region’s rich musical heritage, Tony was proudly inducted into the Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009.

Beyond his own performances, Tony was a passionate advocate for music education. From 1991 to 1995, as president of the Edna Karr Magnet High School Band Boosters, he championed music programs in Orleans Parish public schools, helping raise over $30,000 for new uniforms, soliciting donations for instruments and sheet music, and volunteering as a chaperone for Mardi Gras parades and music festivals.

Following a long career with Entergy, from which he retired in 1990, Tony went on to work for ten years as an engineer with The Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.

Above all his achievements, Tony’s greatest devotion was to his family. A true, hard-working family man, he dedicated his life to providing for those he loved, working tirelessly to ensure his family always had everything they needed. His legacy lives on through the strength, values, and deep love he instilled in his home.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Nancy Licata; his daughter, Dana Prevost, and her husband, Pierre; his son, Anthony Licata, Jr., and his wife, Jessica; his sister, Ramona Ann Hoffman, and her husband, Frank; his cherished grandchildren, Dana “Daisy” Freeman (Kyle), Pierre Prevost, Jr., Braeden Licata, and Lillian Licata; and his great-granddaughter, Marcile Freeman.

A Memorial Visitation will be held for Tony at Grace Funeral Home in Covington on Saturday, November 21, 2026 beginning at 10:00AM, with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30AM. Floral donations for Tony are welcome may be sent to Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington LA, 70433.