Mario Antonio Fundora

Tony was an amazing husband, father to five children, brother, uncle and wonderful friend. Tony was born on March 5, 1943 in Havana, Cuba. He immigrated to the United States on August 25, 1962 and he became a bicentennial American citizen in 1976. During this time, he pioneered the move of 56 members of his family to the United States. Tony began his career in the hospitality industry with several years in New York, West Palm Beach, ultimately landing in Atlanta in 1967. He started washing dishes and worked his way up as a baker, cook, chef, waiter, and maître d’. Eventually, Tony opened his first restaurant in Atlanta called Alfredo’s in 1974. As a blossoming restaurateur, he created Avanti’s from 1978-1987, followed by Antonio’s Bakery in 1980 and Tony’s Casa Napoli from 1982-1987.

In 1987, Tony and Maria were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend and they quickly fell in love, beginning their life together. Tony and Maria opened their first restaurant together called Avanti’s Pescevino from March 1989-1996. He also started Tony’s Farmer’s Market circa 1992-1994. They built their dream together when they opened Casa Nuova in 1998. Since then, Tony spread his love for food by sharing it with the community. His passion for fresh food inspired him to grow his own fruits, vegetables and flowers, which he loved sharing with everyone that came to the restaurant. He was a truly remarkable, giving, vibrant, honest, life-loving person who always showed up for and cared about his family, friends, and community. Tony is forever in our hearts, and we will continue to spread his zest for life within the restaurant he and Maria built 23 years ago.

Tony is survived by his wife, Maria; children: Tony Jr., Tania, Jose “Pepe”, Cari, and Alex; siblings, Ruben and Teresita. He was preceded in death by his father, Pedro Ruben Fundora and his mother, Esther Morales.

In lieu of flowers, the Fundora family asks that you please donate to Purple Pansies. https://purplepansies.org/donate/.

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Thank you.