Anthony A. Di Viesti

Anthony A. Di Viesti. Beloved husband of Phyllis (nee Belmonte). Loving father of Rosemarie (Matthew) Bogusz and Anthony (Kit) Di Viesti. Loving son of the late Michael and Rose Di Viesti. Cherished grandfather of Matthew John (Kaitlyn Pascale) Bogusz, Phillip Bogusz, Angela Bogusz, Michael Di Viesti and Dr. Karla Di Viesti. Great grandfather of Jacqueline Bogusz and Matthew John Bogusz III. Dear brother of the late Matilda (Edward) Corona. Fond brother-in-law of Richard (late Linda) Belmonte, the late Anthony (Christina) Belmonte and the late Bruno (Josephine) Belmonte. Devoted uncle of many nieces and nephews. Proud owner/resident of 1507 W Taylor St. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or Rainbow Hospice would be appreciated.

A barber from Bari, Italy, Michael Di Viesti immigrated to Chicago in 1921 where he married Rose (Megaro) and welcomed Tony and his sister Matilda Corona (Eddie) to Taylor Street. Tony’s work ethic and passion for Italian culture grew from his tight-knit community and proximity to family, just a floor away. He relished afternoons on the street corner, spent time with guys at the social club, played basketball at Jefferson Grade School, and led a band where he played saxophone under his stage name Tony Darc.

Tony is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 66 years, whom he met in the neighborhood following an introduction by his father Michael. His late-night gigs with the combo doubled as a cheap date and a way for Tony and Phyllis to get to know each other while enjoying music and dancing, a passion that would carry through decades later as they stole the show at Mary Seat of Wisdom’s (MSW) Chez Paree variety show.

After marriage, Tony and Phyllis moved to Brophy Street in Park Ridge where they immersed themselves in the community, meeting lifelong friends who became extended family. From learning how to play Bridge, joining ladies guilds and the Knights of Columbus at MSW, and opening The House of Di Viesti Beauty Salon, the duo was focused on building a robust and loving home while contributing back to the community.

Tony and Phyllis welcomed Rosemarie (Matthew) & Anthony (Kit) to the family and created a home filled with big family parties, impromptu neighborhood fun, backyard ice skating, and a front yard pitching practice. They believed in a Catholic education; supporting their children through MSW, Marillac High School, Loyola Academy, and Marquette University.

Later in life, Tony tapped his love for a good chat and began a successful career in sales. After work, Tony filled his days with Tony Bennet, James Brown, fun with family & friends in Lake Geneva, tinkering at his childhood building on Taylor Street, Calabresi in America events, and crafting the perfect giardiniera. He lit up most when talking about, attending events, or coaching sports with his children and grandchildren Matthew John (Kate), Phillip, Angela, Michael, Karla, Jacqueline, and Matthew John III.