Anthony (Tony) Ralph Crea passed away at the age of 76 in his Harrisburg, Pennsylvania home on Friday May 3, 2024 from complications related to cancer and kidney failure. His disease was discovered abruptly in the advanced stages, and he was grateful to spend his final month in hospice at home, spending time with his family and friends.
The son of Anthony Clement Crea and Amalia (Mollie) (Laurino) Crea, Tony was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Elmont, New York with his parents and two brothers, Clement (deceased in 2019) and Richard. Like many brothers, they could fight intensely but also loved each other dearly. Tony was a devoted son who moved to Florida to help care for his parents in their final years.
Tony valued school and work, attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania and then Lasalle University for his Bachelor's degree. He worked in and owned supermarkets and other businesses. He believed in working hard without complaint, no matter what the job entailed.
Tony raised his own family in New Jersey. He was married twice and divorced twice (to Dolores Leathem for 23 years and to Phyllis Ore for 13 years), but tried to maintain positive relationships with others. He was a devoted father who is survived by his daughter Christine Neely, his son-in-law Christopher Neely, and their children Gabrielle and Cameron Neely; his daughter Leslie Crea-Kammerer, his son-in-law Christopher Kammerer, and their children Aidan and Lucas Kammerer; and his son Michael Crea. Although his family was scattered across the country in Harrisburg, Reno, and Chicago, Tony valued his conversations and visits with them and his grandchildren were his greatest joy in his later years. He retired to Harrisburg in 2015 to live with his devoted son, Michael, who took great care of him in his final year.
Tony was a quiet man, uncomfortable in crowds or large gatherings, but was caring and strived to be helpful to others. Tony was raised Catholic. Although he was not involved in the Church in his later years, spirituality was very important to him and he found inspiration, comfort, and peace in the word of God. He could often be found reading his Bible in the morning and enjoyed discussing and sharing these ideas with others. Tony enjoyed reading about history and had a deep love for nature. In Harrisburg, he could often be found feeding the birds or other animals and sitting on his porch. An animal lover, he was adopted by different pets (his dog Gizmo and his cat Princess) over the years. He also enjoyed working with his hands on home improvement projects, renovating his homes over the years. He will be greatly missed.
There will be no formal services. Instead, the family simply encourages you to hug your loved ones and give them a call.
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