Anthony J. “Tony” Magistro

Anthony J. “Tony” Magistro

Jan. 14, 1949 – May 24, 2020

Tony passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, May 24, after a brave nine-month battle with esophageal cancer. His family was by his side.

Tony was born in Sant’angelo di Brolo, Messina, Sicily on January 14, 1949. In 1958, he and his family immigrated to America and settled on the East Coast. He graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, in 1969, and Westside Tech in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, where he served as Class President. 


Tony proudly served in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1976, where he served on the USS Forrestal as a Class A Electrician’s Mate. A Sicilian immigrant, he was deeply proud of becoming an American citizen and to serve his country. After his time in the service, Tony and his first wife, Linda (Walent) Magistro, welcomed three beautiful and beloved children into the world: Tony, Jr., Yvette, and Stephen. 


He was a voracious reader, an eternal entrepreneur, and a jack-of-many-trades! His rich and varied life experiences conditioned him for excellence in all he sought to do. Wise and insightful, Tony approached life’s challenges with patience and ingenuity. Tony always knew the answer. 


When he wasn’t busy finding a solution to any problem, Tony enjoyed playing golf, reading science-fiction novels, sharing jokes, discussing politics, and performing quiet gestures of goodwill for others. He was a friend to all; Tony could–and would!–strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime. He was creative and imaginative, warm and genuine. He lived his life with a servant’s heart. 


Yes, he was a jack-of-many-trades, but he was also a true master of one, as evidenced by his six decades as a successful restaurateur: cooking! Tony’s life’s work was his restaurant. In 1958, Tony, alongside his father and brothers, founded Don Carmelo’s Pizzeria. They established pizzerias in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, and California, before bringing New York Style-pizza to Nebraska in 1980. Here, Tony met Amy; they spent the next thirty-six years running their restaurants and raising their beloved children, Adrianna and Robert. While many married couples could never imagine working together, Tony and Amy couldn’t imagine working apart. The two spent three decades happily building their business together, never far apart from one another for long. The work was exhausting, but life was good. 


In his final years, Tony chose to continue working steadfastly alongside his wife and kids; each day had its challenges, yes, but blessings abounded. His passion was not only for cooking, but in cooking for his beloved customers, family, and friends. Cooking for others was Tony’s love language. To know Tony was to love him; to enjoy a meal prepared by him was to be loved in return. 


Tony was so dearly loved and respected by his family, who will continue to love and honor him for the rest of our days.

Preceded in death by father, Carmelo Magistro; sister, Pina Hales; brother, Peter Magistro; father-in-law, Robert Beaton; and brother-in-law, Dwight Beaton. Survived by his wife of 32 years, Amy; sons, Tony (Natalie) Magistro, Jr., Stephen Magistro, and Robert Magistro; daughters, Yvette Magistro and Adrianna Magistro; mother, Vincenzina Magistro; mother-in-law, Roxie Beaton; brothers, Frank (Pat) Magistro, Carmen Magistro, and Johnny Magistro; sisters-in-law, Sandy (Jerry) Jablonski; and Susan Beaton; brothers-in-law, Randy (Jackie) Beaton, Brian (Lisa) Beaton, and Jim Hales; grandchildren: Sophia, Antonio, Domenico, and Rocco; and many nieces, nephews, family, friends, and patrons who will miss his effortless wit and generosity, and his delicious cooking.

VISITATION (following CDC guidelines): Monday, June 1, 4-6 p.m. at the West Center Chapel, with 6 p.m. VIGIL SERVICE. MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, June 2, 10 a.m., at Christ the King Church with Military Rites. INTERMENT: Omaha National Cemetery.

Memorials will be directed by the family. To view a live broadcast of the Vigil and Funeral Mass, go to our website and click the “view livecast” button on our homepage or use service links below.

Vigil Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/anthony-j-tony-magistro-vigil-147321

Funeral Service Link: https://boxcast.tv/view/anthony-j-tony-magistro-vigil-753563

 

31 Comments

  • Vince Mainelli Posted May 25, 2020 6:52 pm

    I can’t even begin to say how sorry I am… Tony remains to be one of the funniest and most genuine people I’ve been lucky enough to know in ANY capacity. Working with you guys was kind of like being part of the family to some degree and we all loved being a part of Donny C’s. LOVE YOU GUYS.

    • Sean O’Hara Posted May 31, 2020 11:50 am

      Tony was and is the most genuine person I’ve ever met. Such a smart, loving human being he showed everyone how to love and laugh without hesitation. He will always be remembered for being such a great person and father.

  • Michael R Broughton Posted May 26, 2020 12:31 pm

    So sorry for you loss!

  • Michael Hawkins / Rockbrook Maintance Posted May 26, 2020 1:20 pm

    I’m truly sorry for your loss Tony touch many many people..Be if eating a slice of his great pizza. Or just talking to him about everyday life.. Theres an old saying even though. Our live ones are gone. That the floor in heaven has holes in it. So they’ll always be watching over us. Take care and God Bless your family.

  • Rebecca McConnell Posted May 26, 2020 1:50 pm

    Amy and family, I’m so so sorry! We always would have a great time visiting with Tony on Saturday nights at Don Carmelo’s after bowling. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to you!

  • Ronald Hennis Posted May 26, 2020 2:04 pm

    I am very saddened to hear of Toni‘s passing he surely will be missed he was a very good employee for me back in the 90s and I hold high regards for this gentleman.

  • Michele Kulesa Posted May 26, 2020 4:11 pm

    Amy, I am so terribly sorry to hear this news. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you, keep you comforted and give you peace.

  • Rusty and Nelda Lloyd Posted May 27, 2020 10:34 am

    With Condolences to the Magistro Family.

    We’ll miss you, my friend. It was always fun to come in and visit you during our time with our kids in Omaha. You, Amy, Adrianna, and Robert always made us feel like family as you served the best pizza anywhere.

    It didn’t matter how busy you were, Tony, you and the family always made time to chat a little and crack a joke making us all laugh and enjoy the moments we had together.

    Our only regret is not coming in for a visit when we were visiting Omaha last December.

    Thank you, Tony, for your service to our Country and for serving your community with joy.

    With Love,
    Nelda and Rusty Lloyd and Family

  • Cobie Griess Posted May 27, 2020 11:34 am

    I am so sorry for your loss, I was so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know and work for Tony. He shaped my life and the person I am today in too many ways for me to put into words. The Magistro family and Tony will be in my heart and thoughts forever.

  • Derrick Max Posted May 27, 2020 6:22 pm

    What an incredible life story! Clearly, a life well lived. Praying for Amy and the children…

  • The Corpuz family Posted May 27, 2020 6:38 pm

    We loved getting to know Tony! He was a great host! We will miss his stories and his laugh! May God welcome him and may you be comforted too! We love you!

  • Tucker Griess Posted May 28, 2020 9:11 am

    So incredibly sorry for your loss, I can’t even begin to express the impact that Tony had on my life. Getting to know him and learn from him over the years helped to shape me into the person I am today. Whether it was working together, or simply sitting in the back and talking, I will always cherish the time we spent together.

    Love you guys,

  • Lisa Taylor-Jones Posted May 28, 2020 10:33 pm

    Amy – I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. You and your family are in my deepest prayers. May God give you strength and comfort going forward.

  • sharon hull Posted May 30, 2020 6:59 am

    Tony had such a large presence and was to approachable at all times. He made people feel so comfortable in his presence. My condolences to his family, and especially Amy. Love you guys.

  • Mary Moneto Posted May 30, 2020 12:32 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
    My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Peggy Van Nortwick Posted May 30, 2020 7:26 pm

    Sending my love and heartfelt sympathy to Amy and family. I only met Tony on a few occasions but felt like I had known him forever because he made everyone feel like family. God bless you all.

  • Sandy and Jerry Jablonski Posted May 31, 2020 3:28 pm

    To my sweet sweet sister and her family. I am SO sorry for your loss. Tony will be missed by all. He truly touched so many lives. With heartfelt sympathy, Sandy and Jerry

  • Sharon Ramsbottom Posted May 31, 2020 10:20 pm

    Amy and family, I am so sorry for your loss; Amy, you and Tony allowed Vicki and Cheryl to host a baby shower for my daughter some 29 years ago; truly servant’s hearts!

  • Debbie Buchannan Posted June 1, 2020 6:19 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss,, reading about your dad, he was strong, caring, loved and had lots of love to give. He is in a peaceful place and will be with you all the moments of your life. Best pizza in town, hugs and prayers for you all.

  • John albino Posted June 1, 2020 3:28 pm

    Great person and friend For year’s
    Sorry for you loss

  • Jennifer VanCleve Posted June 1, 2020 3:59 pm

    Praying for your Amy. Praying also for your family. Love you my friend.

  • Loretta McCollum Posted June 1, 2020 5:00 pm

    Amy and Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Tony was a wonderful human being.
    We moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming last summer, or we have been to th restaurant to see you. We let George know to. He still says that some days he just wants to “Go back and make pizzas for Tony!”
    God be with you and your family.
    Ed and Loretta McCollum

  • Laura Posted June 1, 2020 7:50 pm

    I knew Tony in passing at the gym I worked at many years ago. He was a happy, funny man with a great wave and an incredible smile. My Deepest condolences for your loss. Rest easy Tony.

  • Daniel Posted June 1, 2020 8:20 pm

    God with him. I am praying for the family

  • Sheryl Sayles Posted June 1, 2020 8:57 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. I have been keeping your family in my prayers. May all your wonderful memories of Tony help to comfort you and bring you peace at this difficult time.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Sheryl (Caniglia) Sayles/ Adrianna’s Preschool Teacher

  • Mark and Donna Teten Posted June 2, 2020 7:45 am

    Amy, Adrianna and Robert. You are family to us. We hurt because you hurt. Even though we can’t physically be with you today, know that our hearts are there. Praying for your healing of loss. Tony will be so greatly missed. Hugs for you all. Mark and Donna Teten

  • Gary Kudym Posted June 17, 2020 3:38 pm

    Dear Amy & Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss! Tony always had a smile on his face and Kim & I were always greeted warmly @ your restaurant in Elkhorn. The many years we have had a business relationship have been very cordial & appreciated! Tony will be truly missed!

  • Cassie Posted July 7, 2020 10:25 pm

    I just heard the news tonight about Tony. I’m so sorry for your loss! Tony was a great guy – I saw him often at the gas station. He would stop in and buy some eggs so he could make breakfast before getting the day started at the pizza shop. There was even a time he made breakfast sandwich and brought one over for me. He always had a smile on his face and was a kind, generous man! He definitely will be missed!

  • Rebecca Baiz Wimmer Posted July 15, 2020 4:15 pm

    So sorry for your loss, just an old friend of Tony’s sister Pina

  • Catherine Cassleman Posted October 4, 2020 10:06 pm

    One of my favorite people in the world. I’ll never forget him. I love the Magistros!

    ~Catherine (Joyce) Cassleman

  • Bobbie Brooks Posted January 5, 2021 10:09 am

    I am very sad to hear about Tony’s passing. I just found out. I worked at the gas station across the street and he filled my life with laughter and talking about food and Italy, as well as our shared Sicilian ancestry, for the six years I worked there. I left in November 2019, and he never mentioned his cancer when he would come in, although I don’t remember him coming in much the last few months of my working there. I think he was a very special man, as remembered in this obituary, and his family and friends are blessed to have known him, myself included. These words written about him are not enough to encompass the man who he was.

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