Tony Serrago, owner of Anthony’s on the BLVD, remembered
Anthony “Tony” Serrago, owner of Anthony’s on the BLVD in Cape Coral, has passed away.
Serrago, 65, died suddenly Friday, Sept. 9. He moved to Cape Coral in 2006 from New York and opened the restaurant in 2007. Born in Queens, Serrago is from West Islip, Long Island.
Serrago’s family said he loved his customers and giving back to the community. He often donated and held fundraisers for local veteran organizations, breast cancer awareness, Toys for Tots, and more. Serrago was the light of the restaurant, as he took time to speak with customers and get to know them individually. People loved to come in and chat with him.
His family at the restaurant said in a post, “Although Tony’s life ended before we were ready, the time that he spent in all our lives was memorable and full of joy.”
“Tony is known for his charismatic, energetic, kind, giving, driven, lovable nature,” a family statement reads. “He was everybody’s friend. Tony ensured Anthony’s on the Blvd was there to serve his community and he did so everyday, for the last 15 years with pride through the business and the many nonprofits he supported. Because of his presence Anthony’s on the Blvd greeting every customer with a smile and taking the time to get to know them, the restaurant is a landmark for the community which received many accolades over the years. His family is proud of him and grateful for the outpouring the community has shown for Tony.”
Anthony’s on the BLVD was voted a Breeze Best of the Cape in numerous categories over years including Happy Hour, restaurant; Breakfast Buffet, Fish Fry, Best Restaurant with Entertainment and Best Catering in Cape Coral.
Even through the pandemic, Serrago was still running Anthony’s on the BLVD successfully after 15 years. He was devoted to his staff, and many were with him when he opened and have stayed on for many years.
He was proud of the success of the restaurant, and he loved to provide entertainment for his customers and Cape Coral community, his loved ones said. The restaurant hosted live events, including comedy, live music, deejays karaoke, parties, pig roasts, fundraisers and car shows.
Close friend Chris Cammarota said, “The only thing bigger than Tony’s smile, was his heart. He was constantly involved in countless fundraising for all kinds of organizations throughout Cape Coral and Lee County. He touched many people and will be missed by event more.”
He is survived by the love of his life, Denise Whitaker of Cape Coral; his mother, Marie Serrago of Cape Coral; children Ashley Serrago and Erika Serrago and many other family members including Denise’s children, Tiffany, Casie, Kelsea, Rikki and Patrick Whitaker; and a grandson, Jasper Miller.
The funeral will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Living Faith Church with Pastor Pat Thurmer officiating.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 14, also at Living Faith Church at 939 Southwest 7th Court.
There will be a celebration of life at Anthony’s on the BLVD, also on Sept. 14, beginning at 4 p.m.
Memorial contributions in his memory are suggested to Toys for Tots, SWFL Military Museum, Korean War Veterans Association, Hearts & Homes for Veterans, Injured Warriors Fund of Florida, Save the TaTas Foundation, American Cancer Society, Cape Coral Caring Center, MS Society, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is in charge of the arrangements.
The restaurant will be closed until further notice.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email news@breezenewspapers.com