Anthony Andrew Zona Sr.

Anthony was born in Providence, Rhode Island, to Antonio and Jessie (Penta) Zona. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Carol (Pezzullo) Zona, and their four children: Anthony Zona (Lori) of Jamestown, RI; Sandra Fredette (Paul) of Jamestown, RI; Cynthia Zesk (David Lyle) of North Kingstown, RI; and Jennifer Rogers (Scott) of Saunderstown, RI. He also leaves seven cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Thomas Zona and Rosalyn Zona.

After graduating with honors from La Salle Academy in Providence, he went on to graduate from the University of Rhode Island, where he earned his degree summa cum laude and was invited to join Phi Kappa Phi, a prestigious national honor society recognizing exceptional academic achievement. He carried the values of those honors throughout his life: a genuine curiosity and commitment to learning. Anthony also proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His military service and professional career took him to live in London, England; Corning, New York; Wellsboro, Pennsylvania; and Hampton, New Hampshire; but wherever his journeys brought him, he remained deeply connected to his Rhode Island roots and the place he always called home.

To those who knew and loved him, he was Anthony, Tony, Dad, Pop, Uncle, and, affectionately, “The Dude.” He was a devoted husband and father, an adoring grandfather, a cherished uncle, and a loyal friend. Anthony came from humble beginnings. His father, Antonio, was a tailor who taught him early the value of hard work, a strong work ethic, and the importance of always continuing to learn. The values his father instilled in him stayed with Anthony throughout his life and shaped the man, father, and leader he became.

A successful and grounded global executive, Anthony spent four decades building a distinguished career with Corning Glass Works and later GTE Sylvania. Throughout his life, he generously gave his time, leadership, and experience to numerous boards and organizations dedicated to strengthening Rhode Island’s economy, advocating for workers, and improving the lives of children throughout his home state.

As a people-first leader, his impact was lasting. More than two decades after Anthony retired, a former employee, nearing the end of his own career as a glassworker, took a moment in a 2014 local newspaper article to reflect on those who had shaped his career. He wrote: “As I come to a close of a 31-year career as a glassworker, I would like to take a minute to thank the people of our past. First is Tony Zona for being the type of boss that everyone admired and wanted to work for.” For Anthony, leadership was never simply about the position he held. It was about the people he led, the example he set, and the respect he earned.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Anthony found great joy in the things he loved and the people he shared them with. He took pride in building things that lasted and loved working with his hands—whether it was yard work, woodworking, crafting crown moulding, or tackling his next project. And if you knew him well, you knew the cement mixer that moved with him, always ready for his next masonry masterpiece.

As a youth hockey coach, one of his favorite memories was a trip to Montreal with his Lincoln, Rhode Island, traveling hockey team. On Saturdays, you could find him at American Legion Post 29, playing cards and staying connected with his childhood buddies. Golf was another passion, and Anthony was a longtime member of Kirkbrae Country Club, where he delighted in the mental challenge of the game—and the occasional hole-in-one.

He loved hot summer beach days in Rhode Island, especially when he could take his children to ride the waves of the Ocean State. He was also a die-hard and loyal fan of the Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox. But perhaps his favorite sport was a good debate. Anthony enjoyed nothing more than a spirited back-and-forth with family and friends on just about any topic. He had strong opinions, loved a good argument, and was always willing to make his case—with the confidence that, of course, he was right.

Anthony leaves a legacy of fierce devotion to his family, a strong sense of determination, and an unmistakable directness that was part of what made him uniquely “The Dude.” He was driven by curiosity, hard work, conviction and an unwavering sense of who he was. He believed in remembering where you came from and honoring the people who helped shape you. He carried his roots with him wherever he went and never forgot his lifelong friendships, even when their paths may have been different. Above all, Anthony’s greatest pride was his family. The lessons he taught, the friendships he held dear, the stories he shared, and the example he set will live on through all those fortunate enough to have known and loved him. He lived life his way. And he did it with heart, with grit, and with a little bit of “The Dude” woven into it all.

In the end, the words he had given his children throughout their lives became his final message to them. As a father, Anthony had a simple mantra: “Do Good.” It was what he said whenever his children left the house—a reminder to do your best, do the right thing, be kind, behave, and be safe. It was his way of reminding them to take care of themselves and, most importantly, to take care of each other. In his final days, Anthony drew his children close and said those same two words one final time: “Do Good.” Those two words were his goodbye, his gift, and perhaps the simplest expression of the life he had tried to teach them to live.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Anthony’s memory to YMCA Camp Fuller, where he spent many childhood summers learning archery, sailing, and swimming. Donations will help provide scholarships so that every child has the opportunity to experience the friendships, adventures, and memories that Anthony held so dear at this special camp along the shores of Point Judith. Donations can be made at campfuller.org or mailed to 619 Camp Fuller Road, South Kingstown, RI 02879.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 8:15-9:15 AM in the PONTARELLI-MARINO HOME, 971 Branch Ave., Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Blessed Sacrament Church, 179 Academy Ave., Providence at 9:45 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.