Anthony R. "Tony" Valego

Anthony R., “Tony” Valego, 77, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the Frances Georgeson Hospice House in Naples. Born on August 11, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Tony was the son of the late Frederick F. and Mary L. (née Pellegrino) Valego. A proud New Englander, he grew up in Chicopee, MA, before making Southwest Florida his home for the past 42 years. Tony dedicated much of his life to hospitality and the restaurant industry. He began his career as a restaurant manager with Friendly’s Corporation in Massachusetts, where he worked for 17 years. Upon relocating to Florida in the early 1980’s, he brought his passion for food and people to Bonita Springs, opening TJ’s Restaurant in Springs Plaza. He later managed Cafe Margo and spent five years at Randy’s Fish Market in Naples. He also co-owned Fish Crazy, further cementing his role in the local dining scene. Beyond restaurants, Tony was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned the Water Works Car Wash in Bonita Springs and also ran a concierge service. His community involvement was just as impactful — he was a former founding member of the Noon Rotary Club of Bonita Springs and a member of the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. Tony’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his three loving daughters, Amy Hudzik (Chris) of Hatfield, MA; Alex Costigan (Joe) of Oviedo, FL; and Abbey Campbell (Matt) of Cumming, GA. He was a proud grandfather to Ben and Sophie Hudzik, Conor and Callan Costigan, and Emerson Campbell — with another grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his former wife, Natlee Valego of Bonita Springs, FL. He leaves behind his cherished siblings; Mary Young (Bill) of Longmeadow, MA; Barbara Owczarski of Agawam, MA; Frederick Valego of Monson, MA; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several good friends, who he considered family. A celebration of Tony’s life will be held from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the Vasari Country Club 11250 Via Del Vasari Dr., Bonita Springs, FL 34135. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tedy’s Team, Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation, or the NCH Rooney Heart Institute in memory of Tony Valego. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jesse Haven and Damia; Dr. Robert Cubeddu and his team; Dr. Gaston Cudemus; the nurses at the NCH Baker ICU and Cardiac Care Unit; and Carlan and Kaitlin for their dedicated and compassionate care. To sign Tony’s guest register or leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home — Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Anthony R. "Tony" Valego

August 11, 1947 - April 11, 2025