Anthony J. (Tony) Loforte- February 28, 1934-January 22,2021 Posted: 2021-01-24 12:18:11

Anthony J. (Tony) Loforte- February 28, 1934-January 22,2021

Obituary

Anthony J. (Tony) Loforte, 86, of Huntley, IL passed away peacefully with his wife of 58 years, Janet, and daughters, Dianne and Jill, by his side. Not one to back away from a challenge, he fought illness for several years and still managed to be the life of the party, holding onto his quick wit, booming voice, love of sharing great food and drink with family and friends, and his deep respect for the Marines.
A proud only child of Sicilian immigrants, Anthony grew up in the Bronx, NY, graduating from Power Memorial Academy in Manhattan and then Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. While in college, Anthony enlisted in the Marines during the Korean Conflict, became an Officer, and spent time overseas stationed in Japan and the Philippines.
This experience and his self-described over-achieving nature led to a highly successful corporate career at Montgomery Ward, Abbott Labs, and then Sterling Drugs where he was the Vice President of Worldwide Logistics. In this role, he led the development of a state-of-the art supply chain management program and worldwide logistics network.
During his career, Anthony led projects in over 40 countries across North and South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Far East. While working fulltime, he was also able to get his MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, served as a member of the Executive Committee for the Manufacturing Association, was a frequent executive speaker on logistics and transportation management, and even wrote a limited-edition Italian cookbook.
Supporting him throughout his career, was his loving wife, Janet. They were married in 1962 at the spectacular St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, where they also renewed their vows 50 years later. Together, they lived in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, England, and then settled in Lake Forest, IL, where they raised four children, Dianne, Jill, Peter, and Carol.
Upon his retirement, Janet and Anthony moved to Sun City, Huntley, IL where he became an active and occasionally boisterous member of the community. He was a co-founder of the Sun City Huntley Marines, active in the Sun City Theater Group, the Sun City Computer Club and was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Catholic Church.
Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Peter, and Anna, and by his loving granddaughter, Sierra Carroll. He is survived by his wife, Janet, his children, Dianne (Kevin) Higgins, Greenwood Village, CO; Jill Loforte Carroll (Michael Whittaker), Huntley IL, Peter Loforte (Sally Julien), Palm Springs, CA, and Carol (Andrew) Listak, Edinburgh, Scotland. He is also survived by four amazing granddaughters, Kendall and Melanie Higgins, and Erica and Joanna Loforte.
We will miss Anthony’s charm and larger-than-life personality, but we are all deeply grateful for the long and fulfilling life he enjoyed and the unforgettable impact he had on those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home at 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley or the Huntley Fire Protection District. Online condolence may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
For further information, please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772

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Julie Bentley 2021-01-24 13:27:08

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Loforte and family. Although I did not personally know Mr Loforte my husband told me what an amazing man he was and always enjoyed a visit. Please know that Mr Loforte’s genuine concern and words of encouragement helped my husband Bill during his surgeries. Hoping your beautiful memories ease your pain of loss. Julie Bentley

Carol Derner 2021-01-24 14:07:57

Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad had an amazing life. Please take care.

Barbara Nagel 2021-01-24 14:20:17

Jill I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your handsome, accomplished, Father. What a blessing you were there with him to say goodbye. I shall be in touch soon by phone. All my love and friendship. Barbara

Alice Bush 2021-01-24 14:27:22

We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to him and a great legacy he has left behind. But love so strong from our parents never leaves our side. Hugs and love! Alice, Addie and Liam Bush

Beth Wilson 2021-01-24 14:38:45

Dear Jill and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Loforte's passing. He had an impressive life - I didn't know half these things! My heart goes out to all of you. Jill, I'm so glad that you are living close to your mom and that you can support each other during this difficult time. I'll give you a call soon. Take care.

Jeanette Cipra Clark 2021-01-24 14:51:11

Dear Janet, I am so glad you took the time to let us know of your husband's passing. You have my Sympathy. The technology today helps for us to reach across the miles. I hope you will reach out to me again . Will you have family near by ? I will let the other classmates here know. Thinking of you Janet, Sincerely Jeanette

Tricia Garrett Heinzmann 2021-01-24 16:54:32

Jill and Dianne - I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I will always remember his homemade pizzas :)

Judy and Phil Abbinanti 2021-01-24 16:55:32

Our deepest sympathies to you Janet and your family. Unfortunately, we knew Tony so briefly but after reading the absolutely fabulous story of his life, we so wish we had known him years ago. Such an amazing man, we feel proud we were able to know him at all.

Barbara A. Daugherty 2021-01-24 17:22:57

Cousin Janet, How sorry I am about your loss. While I wasn't around him often, I remember Tony well. He had such a sweet smile and was kind to me as a little girl. My heart goes out to you. Love, Barbie

Janice Novey 2021-01-24 18:57:09

With heart felt Sympathy in honor of a life so beautifully lived, may you carry all the special moments and cherished memories in your heart today, tomorrow and always.

joyce/john luster ( JOYCE MC FARLAND) 2021-01-24 19:39:30

I ATTENDED ST, MARYS WITH JANET. I WANTED TO SEND MY SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MAY Anthony rest in peace.......joyce

Lynn A. Welsh 2021-01-25 09:52:02

I love this photo of Uncle Tony--this is exactly how I remember him, and I hope your happy memories bring you comfort during this sad time. This remarkable man will never be forgotten. My condolences to all. Love, Lynn

George Sebastian 2021-01-25 13:35:01

My thoughts are with Tony's family- He was a true friend in the Computer Club at Sun City, and a valued member of the Sun City Family. Tony always had a smile on his face and words of wisdom for every situation.

Johna Brand 2021-01-25 13:39:00

Tony was a pillar of our community. Always willing to share knowledge, supportive of so many. I Loved that little bit of a Bronx accent. Will miss him. A life well lived. Condolences to his family.

Ken Czerwinski 2021-01-25 13:55:25

I got to know Tony through the Sun City Computer Club. He was a good friend. I was always happy to see him when he could make it to a meeting. It saddens me that I will never have the opportunity to talk with him again.

Federico Ramos 2021-01-25 14:07:08

Sorry for your loss , he was friendly and a good teacher

Marie Sieker 2021-01-25 14:22:47

I met Tony through the Theatre Company of Sun City during their production of South Pacific, when he stole the show playing Billis. What a nice man, and what an interesting sense if humor! He often made me laugh; hope he keeps the humor going. God rest his soul.

STEVE and EV FORNEK 2021-01-25 14:48:30

Best thoughts and prayers to Tony's loved ones for peace and comfort today and each day here forward. Tony will be remembered for his goodness and his contagious joyful and cheerful persona. May his soul rest in peace.

Dave Strang 2021-01-25 17:39:27

Tony and I costarred in the Sun City Theater Company production of “South Pacific.” Actually, he stole the show and I wound up being the second banana! We had an absolute ball in that show. Donna and I send our condolences to the his family. You cannot bury a memory! And, what wonderful memories we have of Tony!

Sach Matsumoto 2021-01-25 19:29:12

Tony, we really miss you, we may not being together in these days, but we know you are there. My most loving memory with Tony is being on the same stage in "South Pacific" Theatre production in 2004. I was very honor being with him and had a lots of fun. My director said "you are doing "Larger than Life" part, but I did not understand real meanings at that time, but now I know' that Mr. Tony Lo Forte is the Larger than Life personality through out his life. I'm very honor to know him. Thank you very much Tony.

Jim Caldarella 2021-01-26 07:29:29

My sympathies to Jill and Janet and the entire family. While I didn't know Tony well, it was obvious he was truly a bright light in this world. His good nature and sense of humor were impossible to ignore. And it was always fun celebrating being Italian with Tony. The world is a little dimmer now without him. But I am very happy to have known him.

Marianne Welsh 2021-01-26 11:33:15

So sorry to lose my one-and-only brother-in-law. Tony was a very special person--kind, witty, great fun to be around, sensational cook and always the Life of the Party. We had some wonderful and unforgetable times with Tony and Janet over the past 58 years. Tony brought so much to our family. My deepest sympathy to my sister, Janet, and Tony's four remarkable children. Tony did everything with perfection and style. I am so sorry not to be at the funeral due to the severe snowstorm. I will always love and appreciate this outstanding person.

John Welsh 2021-01-26 12:11:26

Uncle Tony was always great to me. Always had a joke or a great story to tell (my grandpa Mercers's were my faves). He also took sincere interest in what I was up to in various times of my life, as I am sure he did with others. Never idle conversation. Bevi qualcosa su di me in paradiso

John Welsh 2021-01-26 12:56:38

Uncle Tony was always great to me. Always had a joke or a great story to tell (my grandpa Mercers's were my faves). He also took sincere interest in what I was up to in various times of my life, as I am sure he did with others. Never idle conversation. Bevi qualcosa su di me in paradiso

John Welsh 2021-01-26 13:54:47

Uncle Tony was always great to me. Always had a joke or a great story to tell (my grandpa Mercers's were my faves). He also took sincere interest in what I was up to in various times of my life, as I am sure he did with others. Never idle conversation. Bevi qualcosa su di me in paradiso

Ron and Betty Wanless 2021-01-27 19:45:10

Janet and Family.....we were very sad to hear of Tony's passing. He had so much class and was such a giving person. We have many fond memories of being together with Tony at neighborhood gatherings, enjoying his great sense of humor, not to mention his wonderfully prepared dishes. What a blessing to have known such a special guy, who was a neighbor and great friend.

Judy Mercer 2021-02-05 17:08:59

I have so many good thoughts of Tony and Janet. My husband Paul and I have moved away as of 2011 and now live in AZ, but all the good memories are there. As with many other SC Theatre Club members, I remember Tony for his sense of humor, his dedication to any theatre 'job' he had and his friendship. I visited with both of them and to rehearse with Tony at their home enjoying their hospitality. In the plays I was in or watched, Tony was ON!! He put his all into it and, all of us, whether cast members or audience, enjoyed his portrayals immensely. He did the same with friendships. The plays he was in: "Oklahoma", "Anything Goes", "South Pacific" (which I had the privilege to perform alongside him)...his performances were all flawless. A big heart, lots of work and a big laugh. We will miss you, Tony. Deep condolences to Janet and the family.

Dan Rey 2021-02-05 18:26:07

I met Tony through a request to present at the Sun City Community Computer Club years ago. He and Janet were always two of the people I looked forward to seeing over several years and presentations. Peter - thank you for the introduction to your father and my sincere condolences to you Janet and the rest of your family and friends.

Dianne 2021-02-14 08:33:22

Happy Valentines Day, Dad! You are always in my heart.

Bill Killen 2021-03-02 21:00:29

Tony and I worked together in Logistics at Sterling Drug for 7 years. He was a demanding but fair boss who loved his wife and family and never forgot that he was a Marine. I will never forget him.

Love janet 2024-01-17 10:28:08

Miss you so much. Wish you were still here with me