Anthony Joseph Triana

Anthony “Tony” Joseph Triana, 87, of Tega Cay, SC, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, after a courageous fight with lung cancer associated with COPD. Born on February 22, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, Tony was born the youngest of six children to Charles Triana and Edwina Allnet. A loyal husband, partner, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Both at home and at work, he was the caliber of man the world doesn’t make anymore.

Growing up in Chicago, Tony learned the value of hard work and resilience at an early age. As a young boy, he often tagged along with his older brothers on their paper route, and by the age of nine he was shining shoes to earn his own money. Life in a bustling household with his five siblings was full of laughter, teasing, and plenty of mischief. He loved to recount stories of the pranks they pulled together. Tony graduated from Mt. Carmel School in Chicago in 1956 and later attended DePaulUniversity.

In 1960 he married Mary Lou Musard and together had four children- Deborah Sue, Theresa Marie, Robert John, and Anthony Joseph, Jr. They remained married until her untimely passing in 1972.

While working at Blue Cross he fell in love with Marcia Sue Burd. They married, joining Tony’s family with her daughter, Anne Marie Stokesberry. Together they built a family full of love and traditions. Tony and Marcia brought their daughter, JillAlissa, to the world which solidified their two families together into one. Tony and Marcia shared a devoted marriage of 39 years until her passing in 2012.

In 1976, with five children at home and one on the way, Tony began working at U.S. Bottlers Machinery. He played a key role in relocating the company from Chicago to Charlotte, NC in 1980. He dedicated nearly 40 years to U.S. Bottlers beforeretiring as Vice President and was remembered as a loyal and hardworking leader.

In his later years, Tony met Brenda Chandler who became a faithful partner to Tony. They shared many memories together.Brenda provided unwavering companionship and expert care to Tony as his health needs increased.

A man of strong faith, Tony was raised Catholic and later became a devoted member of Forest Hill Church in Charlotte.He and Marcia served on the Board of Young Life of Charlotte for a number of years. He believed deeply in the power of Christ and instilled this faith in his children and grandchildren.

Outside of work and family, Tony was an avid tennis player, hitting the courts two to three times a week until his early 70s. Tony was a loyal sports fan, a lifelong supporter of Notre Dameand a founding PSL owner of the Carolina Panthers. He loved cheering for Charlotte teams with pride.

He was also a passionate cook, best known for recreating treasured family recipes. He was famous for his Sunday gravyand meatballs, his sister Lorraine’s Chicken Vesuvio, and stuffed shells recipes. He loved spending time at his condo at Ocean Isle Beach, NC. He enjoyed sitting on his balcony overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway while reading a mystery or crime novel.

His sharp wit, even-keeled nature, and steadfast devotion made him a beloved presence in the lives of all who knew him. Above all, Tony was a true family man. Tony will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his devotion to family, his humor, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and steadfastness that will continue to guide those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving children, Deborah Paine (TomPaine), Theresa Klemons (Darragh Klemons), Robert Triana(Susan Triana), Anthony Triana, Jr. (Marie Triana), and Jill Triana (Michael York); his 13 grandchildren- Richard Tomei, Kristin Tomei, Erica Tomei, Erin Tomei, Giovanni Triana, IanKlemons (Cameron), Mary Klemons (Mitchell), Ethan Klemons(Megan), Maribella Triana, Noah Triana, Sophia Triana,Giancarlo Triana, and Emory York; his great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who all brought him immense pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings- MiltonTriana, Lorraine Restivo, Dolores Healy, Charles Triana, and Carl Triana, his first wife Mary, and second wife Marcia.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11am at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Young Life of Charlotte, in honor of Tony’s life and legacy.