Anthony “Tony” Destino, Jr. passed away on March 4th, 2022, at the age of 72. Predeceased by his parents Anthony Sr. and Fay Destino. Tony is survived by his true love and partner of 35 years, Lynne “Lyndsay” Stevens; his children Tracy (Jerry) Birge, Courtney (Thadd) Puccia, and Anthony “Tony” (Lani) Destino as well as their mother, Karen Destino. He was “Grandpa Cool” to Anthony (AJ), Joseph, and Soleil. Also survived by his sister Rose (Russ) Sokac; sister-in-law Laurie (David) Bullock; Lyndsay’s daughter Kari Huff (John); nephews and nieces Dan (Lisa) Sokac, Sue (James) Reitano, Matthew (Katie) Welker, Morgan Rae Welker; several cousins, and great nieces and nephews and close friends.
Tony was a born entertainer at heart and loved the spotlight. He began his early years as a sportswriter and reporter for the D&C newspaper transitioning to sportscasting for News 8 WROC. His career progressed to hosting “Fun Time Youth Bowling”, “Split Personalities”, “Go for the Green” and “Its Time to Take Off”. He ended his working career “entertaining” passengers at Jet Blue airlines in Rochester.
In recent years his enjoyment was from watching trains, making his own fun playlists on Spotify, cheering on the Mets, and of course squeezing in a fish fry from the Coal Tower and an apple fritter from Ridge Donut Cafe. He also loved entertaining his grandkids with his endless impressions and song stylings.
Family and friends are invited to a celebratory Mass at Church of the Assumption, East Ave in Fairport NY, from 10 to 11 am on March 22nd. A reception at the church will immediately follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Perinton Ambulance (PerintonAmbulance.org – go to donate) in memory of Anthony Destino.
Lindsay and family, my heartfelt sympathy with the loss of Tony.
Lynn I am so sorry for the loss of your Tony. If only words could convey how much my heart breaks for you. God Bless you 🙏❤️
Long lost cousin here, I was hoping to finally make it to Rochester to see Anthony again. He was always the showman as said, and always dear to me. May the peace of the Lord which passes all understanding surround you Lindsay and all his family at this time. May be rest in peace.
Though I haven’t seen Tony in 30+ years, I still smile when I hear his name. We had some fun times at WROC-TV when Tony and Ron DeFrance were a team covering sports. I’ll always think of Tony as lively, smiling and fun to work with. He brought joy to my world. My sincere condolences to his loved ones for your great loss.
Tracy, our deepest condolences to you and your family at the loss of a man who appears to have been larger than life and really made the world a special place. Peter and I send our love to you and hope his memory will bring comfort to you all during this particularly hard time.
We are sorry to hear of the loss of our cousin Anthony.
We hadn’t seen him in a long time since we live in Florida
So many happy memories of our younger years and family gathering with Anthony. Our love and condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and sister Rose.
We just learned of Tonys passing. We are so sorry we missed the remembrance. May the wonderful times shared bring your family peace and joy.
So sorry for your loss
OUR FAMILY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU FOR THE LOSS OF OUR TRULY “FUNNY” COUSIN.
MANY A GREAT DAY SPENT WITH HIM AND HIS SISTER AND THE LOVE OF HIS FAMILY. HIS DAD, MY FATHER’S BROTHER,
WAS MY CONFIRMATION SPONSOR, AND MY BROTHER AND I SPENT MANY A SATURDAY UNLOADING THE
ROOFING SHINGLES IN HIS WAREHOUSE (as did most of the cousins).
IT HAD BEEN A LONG TIME, AS MOST OF THE COUSINS MOVED AWAY, THAT WE WERE TOGETHER.
Tony did come to visit back in the 70’s as he was working the Master’s Tournament and we lived in Atlanta.