Anthony J DeDario II

Anthony J. DeDario II, 73, of South Bend, formerly of Elkhart, died on Friday, October 6, 2023, at his home.

He was born on August 11, 1950, in Elkhart to the late Anthony J. and Doris A. (Mannock) DeDario.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Dukeshier.

Tony was employed for many years in the floral business, working as a designer and florist for Matzke Florists in the 70’s, Westview Florist in the 80’s and then Olive Garden as the manager during the 90’s.  In 2005, he took a position at Linton’s Enchanted Gardens as a designer and florist until 2019.  Never one to sit idle, Tony then began working at Four Winds Casino in South Bend as the front desk clerk, a job he truly loved.

Tony graduated from Marion High School in Mishawaka in 1968.  He received his B.A. in English Literature from Loras College in Dubuque, IA in 1972.  He acted in and directed many productions with the Elkhart Civic Theatre and the South Bend Civic Theatre.  He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church and volunteered at the Lerner Theatre.  Tony was also a bird lover and will be missed by Mango and Lucky.

On July 20, 2022, Tony married Patrick Bickel in South Bend.  He survives along with his two sons; Vincent (Kristen) DeDario of Granger and Nicholas (Christina) DeDario of Osceola; his former wife and mother of his sons, Jenny Newhart DeDario of Elkhart.  Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Dylan, Ella, Lilly, Liam, Chloe, Delilah and Dominic and a sister, Mrs. Carol Grillo of Ft. Wayne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 3 pm until 7 pm at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.  Friends may also call one hour prior to services at 11 am on Friday, October 13th at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart.  The Rev. Terri Peterson will officiate services and burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Tony may be made to the Elkhart Civic Theatre 210 E. Vistula St. Bristol, IN 46507.

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