Anthony Joseph LeDonne

Anthony Joseph LeDonne, better known as Tony and Chef Anthony, died peacefully in New York City on Monday, March 3, 2014. He was 56.He passed away surrounded by his large and devoted family, including his loving wife of 35 years, Lorraine (Briggs) LeDonne.Tony was a deeply loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle and son. He was a gifted chef with a vibrant and gregarious personality that made everyone he met feel special and welcome.He loved all things family, all things culinary, and all things sports. He was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and a long-time fan of the New York Yankees and New York Giants.Born and raised in New Jersey, Tony was the son of the late Albert and Marie (Picazio) LeDonne. For the past 21 years, he had been a resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania, during which time he was the owner and chef of Chef Anthony’s, a restaurant and catering business in the Lake Wallenpaupack region of the Poconos.In addition to his wife, Tony is survived by his five children: Marie Antoinette, Gabriel, Janelle, Justine, and Aubrey. He is also survived by his second mother of 44 years, Nicoletta, and six brothers and sisters: Elizabeth Whitaker, and her husband Timothy; Gerald and his wife Rhonda; Annette Kennett and her husband Jeff; Toni-Ann Cary and her husband Joseph; Maria Richards and her husband Colby; and Albert and his wife Julie.Also surviving are his eight brothers- and sisters-in-law, 25 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and countless friends.In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his grandmother, Antoinette Picazio, in 1990, and his grandfather, Anthony Picazio, in 1996.Friends may call during visiting hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant, Pa., 18447. A private service and burial will follow.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Wilkes-Barre PA Office, P.O. Box 4383, Bethlehem, PA, 18018.For on-line condolences or directions please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.