Anthony DeSantis Obituary

Dearest ChiChi and Lu-
All my deepest sympathy, my love and my prayers. Your dad was indeed a phenomenal man. He truly left a positive imprint on my life, as well as Debbie, you and your mom. May his legacy live on!
Love Always ,
Dave Hayes

To the DeSantis Family,

I will always have very found memories of Tony on the visits John O'Brien and I would make to see him at Drury Lane. He was truly a kind and generous man.
I will especially remember the delicious lunches that we were often included in on that were made Daily for the entire staff. We had some wonderful times, and I am glad to have had the chance to hear some interesting stories and spend some quality time with a true Chicago Legend.
My prayers and the prayers of my family are with you all.

Sincerely,

Tom Walsh

Mrs. DeSantis and Family,
Be assured of my sympathy and prayers at this time of loss. I was in Springfield for a meeting so I was unable to attend the Mass of Resurrection. I am sure the angels and saints greeted your husband and father with great fanfare.
As a Springfield Dominican I was the recipient of Tony's generosity quite often. My first teaching assignment was at St. Bernadette in Evergreen Park. Yearly, I attended a play at the Martinique as a guest. When I returned to Chicago in 1997 I again became a recipient of Tony's generosity as I attended the yearly "Christmas Gala" for religious.
This past December all of the students at Our Lady of Grace were recipients of Tony's generosity as he offered free tickets to schools that could not otherwise afford a field trip. I wish Tony could have seen the joy on our students' faces!
Tony was always thinking of others. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in a special way at this time. May the Lord be your Comfort and your Strength.
May Anthony enjoy all the Love and Beauty of the Lord in His Heavenly Home. I am one of the Felician Sisters who enjoyed Mr. DeSantis' hospitality and generosity.
Only God knows how caring and generous this man was.

With deepest sympathy from an old friend.

Love,
Betty Lou

I am going to miss that member of the cfm 1028. On Sundays when we went to drury lane and he was walking around he would say hi jerry and i would say how are you doing. one would never guess that this wonderful person just walking around his wonderful showplace and great resturant was the owner.

Tony was indeed an unusual man who truly believed in helping others and spreading happiness in ways that were extraordinary. As members of a religious community, we have indeed enjoyed many a performance and dinner at Drury Lane each Christmas. His generosity was beyond measure. He will be missed.

ChiChi,
My fondest memories of working in theatre are all centered around Drury Lane. Your Father was one of a kind. My prayers and deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Scott Schumacher

Dear Lucille,

Please accept my condolences at this time of your husband's and father's death. My prayer is not only for the repose of Sir Anthony's soul, but also for the peace and consolation of the Lord for you, Lady Lucille, and your beloved family. I remember with gratitude sharing his hospitality at Drury Lane when I was able to accept an invitation to attend a number of years ago. But even more, I remember with admiration and deep respect Anthony's reverence and devotion during the Mass and prayer connected with our annual gatherings. And, even though he'd not been able to be present in the past number of years, the memory of his presence remains firm in my memory. Requiescat in Pace, I am

Sincerely in the Lord,

Rev. Monsignor Roy M. Klister,

Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies
Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre
North Central Lieutenancy.

Tony was a one of a kind man who ran a successful business (Martinique-Drury Lane) that inspired loyalty and friendship among his many employees. Our condolences to Chi Chi, Lu and grandchildren. Kathleen Daly, Angie Weber & Mary Diamond

ChiChi
Everyone has their special memories of your dad. Mine is his generosity to my children as we shared Christmas Eve celebrations with your family. Remember the one of a kind bottle cap belt? (Actually, I think Tom got one, too.) Your dad dispensed the envelopes while Lu handed out her unique gifts. He was kind, he was generous, and sadly, now he is gone. My sincere sympathy ...a father's love is irreplaceable.

ChiChi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your Mom and the kids. He was a very special person and you will always have the special memories!

Dear Lucille and family,

Your loss is felt by many, even though Tony shied away from the spotlight, his constant love and strength has inspired many. Tony helped me personally many times and I will NEVER forget this great man. My deapest sympathies and prayers are with you.

chichi, my first job was working for your dad, and the life lessons learned have served me well over the years. my thoughts and prayers are with you your wonderful mother and family maureen phelan

Tony DeSantis has always had a special place in the hearts of the the family of the late George Bliss. Tony was always there for us and he will be missed. Tony was a unique person, first class in dealing with his staff, provided his customers high level entertainment and meals at affordable prices, and Tony has to go down as one of the most successful theatre and restaurant operators in the country. We keep the May 5, 2005 Chicago Tribune Magazine on our coffee table as a reminder as to how lucky the Bliss family was to have a true friend as Tony DeSantis. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Lu and Diane and the the DeSantis family at this sorrowful time.

Chi--Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the "kids" during this trying time.
Karen & Tim Meehan

I am so sorry to hear that Tony is gone. He was a great man and My Mentor. He influenced my life to a great extent and taught me a work ethic I still practice today. I worked as a busboy in the 1960's at the Evergreen Park Martinique during the era of Vic and Paul and when Diane and Debby where teenagers (I proudly stole a kiss from Chi-Chi behind the theatre lighting booth during my heyday). Many years later I met up with Debby in Lincolnshire during the time my son, David Loziuk, and Drew attended grammar school together. It was great to see her again and reminisce the old times. Tony was an icon and will be truly missed my many.

Larry Loziuk

I've have known Tony for many years and have loved and respected him always. Please accept my humble prayers for you and your family. God bless you all so much.
Sincerely, General Steve Crane.

Our Prayers are with you.

I am very sorry for your loss. I went to school with Kyle at Loyola. He spoke very highly of hid grandfather. I will keep the family in my prayers.

Truly, this marks the end of an era. What wonderful memories I have--all created from Tony. From dropping those sugar cubes into our water glasses during our weekly dinners with all of you on Sundays at the Martinique, to trampolining on the rooftop patio (and always afraid I was going to go over the railing onto the parking lot below), to the always delicious soups, etc. He is as much a part of my life as was my grandfather. Thanks for the memories, Tony! And thanks for showing us by your actions how to succeed in business and with our families. We will miss you. My love and prayers to all of you.

Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.

David Boven, Esq.St.J.

I caddied for your father back in the 60's, at Beverly Country Club, he tried us great. He was a true gentleman. I will say a prayer for your family.

Our heartfelt sympathy to
Lucille and family. We are friends,
we knew Debbie well. Pecaros told
us of your loss last night.
We are very sorry and prayers are
with you.

My prayers are with your family
during this difficult time

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.