Anthony John LaDuca
Anthony John LaDuca was born May 23, 1933 in Buffalo New York to John and Lena LaDuca. He passed away peacefully Monday, January 15, 2024 surrounded by his loving daughters Gina Hauff and Linda Jeckering. He will be missed, but he passed in the loving care of the wonderful angels on earth at the Sherman Home of Hospice of the Valley. It was his time.
He joins the love of his life Carmela who predeceased him. There was no greater love story, as Tony proudly stood by Millie’s side through her end of life illnesses, as well as their amazing 66 years of wedded bliss. Finally reunited with his “little duck”, and at peace from his ailments, we believe he is likely telling jokes, or at least mispronouncing words like intentionally asking for a “sangwich”, or responding “huh” when someone asks if he can hear.
Tony was a proud and hard-working man, and throughout his life he worked many jobs, several times two or three at a time in order to provide for his family. His final job was as a crossing guard at the local elementary school, where he regularly took school pictures with the children - the photo above is one of his “school pictures”.
Following Millie’s passing in 2021, Tony lived for his family, and, of course the Diamondbacks. He loved baseball, and especially his Dbacks. He enjoyed spring training and regular season games, but truly enjoyed the Dbacks 2023 world series run. He also loved music and singing. He loved all the old crooners Frank Sinatra, especially New York, New York, and Tony Bennet’s I Left My Heart in San Francisco. He actually went with his daughters to see Tony Bennett before he passed.
He was predeceased also by his parents, John and Lena LaDuca and his son, John.
He is survived by his loving brother John (Carol) and sister Rose (Tom) who were all joyfully reunited for his 90th birthday bash in May of 2023 along with their respective families; his loving daughters Linda (Paul deceased) and Gina (Chuck); GrandchildrenNeil(Anna),Nicole,Andrea(Jeff),Lindsey, Great Grandchildren Dalton, Rainey, Kenny and Drake; and countless other family members all who loved him dearly and will miss him so.