Antonio “Tony” Lessei passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side, on May 5th, 2024, in his residence at Sunset Park Place.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens with military honors by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

Tony was born to Tomaso Lisi and Bertha Lehnert in Griffith, Indiana and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Glenwood Military Academy, achieving the position of Cadet Commander. He also excelled in athletics playing varsity Baseball, Football and Basketball. He was proud of his time at Glenwood and felt fortunate to have been a student there.

He attended the University of New Mexico on an athletic scholarship. Tony was a gifted athlete in baseball, football and basketball. However, baseball was his passion.

He was drafted by the US Army in 1959 and honorably discharged in 1962. After his military service, he returned to Chicago and married Sally J. Nowakowski on May 4th, 1963. They had three children, Lisa, Dean and Steven Lessei.

Tony worked for the Milwaukee Rail Road as Lieutenant of Police, serving as a detective from 1962 – 1985.

Sally and Tony divorced and he later married Constance A. Hillard, who had five children. They later divorced.

Tony was an owner of the Tail & Ale restaurant and lounge, the Light House Disco and Later Antonio’s Bar.

Tony loved life and was an extremely kind person. He loved playing fast pitch softball during it’s heyday in Dubuque. He also enjoyed playing cards. Euchre was his favorite and he took it serious, as anyone who was his partner would soon find out.

Tony was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was a member of the Dubuque “Bears” Club.

He was a driver for the Jule Mini-Bus, offering an alternate transportation option for elderly and disabled passengers in Dubuque. He was kind and caring for his passengers and went out of his way to make them feel special or give them a laugh. He took pride in helping others.

Tony was a survivor, overcoming the many health challenges he faced in life. He was a miracle, grateful and loved life.

On May 14th he was to be travelling to Washington DC aboard the Honor Flight. Unfortunately, he will not get to take that trip.

Tony is survived by his first wife Sally, three children, Lisa, Dean (Danielle), Steve (Amy) Lessei, his cherished grandchildren Savannah, Brooke, Luke, Breanna, Ashley & Cole and six great grandchildren with number seven to arrive in June.

He was preceded in death by his father Tomaso, mother Bertha and his former wife Connie.

Tony will be remembered lovingly for his kindness and caring by all who knew him.

Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa Tony…… We Love you forever.

The Lessei Family would like to thank the VA (No Place Like Home) and Hospice of Dubuque (Carrie & Chris).

Memorials: A memorial fund will be established in Tony’s name and distributed to his favorite charities.