Antonio P. LaSalle

Antonio (Tony) LaSalle, 46, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Tony lived briefly in Florida but found his true home in New York City. As part of a beautiful blended family, Tony was one of five children. 

As a teenager, Tony dubbed himself “Max,” a nickname that stuck, likely because that’s how he lived his life—to the max—with unrelenting voracity, strength, and tenacity. He will be remembered as a funny, witty, loyal and beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend. The accuracy of his chosen nickname—unassuming on the surface yet powerful and layered with intent—was no accident. He lived this contradiction: He was brilliant yet curious, both fierce and kind, beautiful and moody, stubborn and generous, looking to the stars with feet firmly on the ground, striding through the streets of NYC from Harlem to the Village with stops in the Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens, calling each borough home at one time or another. Predictable only in his spontaneity, he will be missed more than words can express.

Among Tony’s proudest moments was being accepted into Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in Manhattan which ignited the embers of creativity flickering within. In school and beyond, he immersed himself in the full spectrum of performing and visual arts. A gifted artist and writer, and natural performer, he viewed the world as his stage with his family and friends
the willing and captive audience. He never missed an opportunity to spark laughter with a spot-on impersonation, mesmerize with his storytelling skills, or impress with his intellect, particularly his knowledge of all things New York City.

Tony found his greatest professional fulfillment in his position as a case manager for a nonprofit organization that connects people struggling with mental illness, HIV, and/or addiction with resources to aid in their healing and recovery. He loved his job and often traveled to Washington, D.C. and Albany to advocate on behalf of the people he worked so hard to assist.

Max Antonio is survived by his father Eddie, stepmother Margie, sisters Sonia and Melissa, and a loving network of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. His family finds solace knowing that, beyond the moon, Tony is reunited with his mother Sandy, sister Jennifer, brother JR, aunts Miriam and Baby, uncle Leon, grandmother Clemencia, and other loved ones gone too
soon.

A celebration of Tony’s life will take place at Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.

In Lieu of flowers the family asks guests donate to Housing Works (https://www.housingworks.org/donate) in Tony's name. Thank you