Obituary of Anthony P. Cellini

Anthony Paul (Tony) Cellini, a longtime resident of Monticello, New York, passed away on September 6, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family, friends and community. He will be remembered, missed and honored by all of those who love and respect him.

Tony was born on December 5, 1940, on Thompson Street in “The Acre” in Port Jervis, New York, to Anthony Cellini, Sr., and Elizabeth (Adlon) Cellini. His parents were both immigrants, who instilled in Tony the value of hard work and perseverance that would guide him throughout his life. Tony was a proud graduate of the Port Jervis High School Class of 1958.

After graduation, Tony enlisted as a Military Policemen in the Fourth Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. His military service took him across Europe, with experiences that widened his perspective and deepened his appreciation for our American freedoms. He was proud to have served and humbled to be celebrated as a member of Hudson Valley Honor Flight Mission 25.

Following his military service, an employment opportunity brought Tony to Monticello, where he would become part of the fabric of Sullivan County over the next several decades. In the late 1960s, he became the owner and proprietor of Roark’s Tavern, where he gained lifelong friendships over his roast beef sandwiches, which remain the stuff of local legend. It was at Roark’s where Tony met the love of his life, Linda. Together, they nurtured a close-knit, loving family. Tony and Linda never shielded their boys from the realities of the world, but likewise instilled in them at every turn the knowledge that they could – and should – be forces for good for the less fortunate.

Inevitably, Tony’s commitment to positive change led him to a long career in public service, where he set himself apart from others with his straight talk and willingness to build bridges to build up our community. In 1974, Tony first joined the Thompson Town Board. Over the next two decades, he simultaneously served as a councilman and worked as a regional director of the Salvation Army, helping to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us. In 1994, he became Town Supervisor, and found his life’s calling. For the next 20 years, until his retirement in 2014, there was no more honorable or fierce advocate for the people of the Town of Thompson than Tony Cellini. He never forgot that he was a public servant, and he spent every day working to improve the quality of life for everyone who lived, worked or visited our Town. The side door of Tony’s office was always open, and there was always a seat waiting for any constituent who needed help. Tony was eager to lend his time, ears and heart to those who entrusted him with the position of Supervisor and never failed to provide assistance whenever possible. Likewise, Linda lent her time and advocacy to many organizations; the two were side by side in public service and were particularly proud of their collaborations to help the community.

Following his retirement, Tony affirmed his love of Linda every day as her primary caregiver during her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. For ten years, Tony demonstrated by his actions what true love looks like, caring for Linda day in and day out, without fail; whether she knew it or not, Tony was completely dedicated to Linda’s wellbeing. For his family and those closest to him, Tony Cellini will forever remain a shining example of selfless devotion. There has never been a truer love than Tony’s love for Linda.

Tony is survived by his sons, Todd (Kristen), of Arvada, Colorado, and Christopher (Christina), of Rock Hill, New York; his grandson, Doran; his granddaughters, Lydia and Emilia; his brother, Charles, and sister-in-law, Jean; several in-laws, nieces and nephews; and his “adopted daughter,” Meagan Galligan, and her wonderful family, who were a blessing to both Tony and Linda in the last years of their lives. He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Elizabeth, and his wife, Linda.

A memorial service is to be scheduled for later this fall, during which we will toast Tony’s legacy, humor and contributions to so many lives. In lieu of memorial donations, the family requests that you keep those affected by Alzheimer's disease in your thoughts and take a moment in Tony’s honor to recognize the vital work of the many dedicated healthcare professionals in our community. They also encourage everyone to seize opportunities to serve our community and to approach disagreements with respect, remembering that opponents are not enemies.

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com