Racine- Anthony Paul Wells, age 86, passed away peacefully at Parkside Manor in Kenosha on Monday evening, November 18, 2013 following a courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease & Lewey Body Dementia.
Tony was born in Racine on July 3, 1927 to the late James and Rose (nee: DeMark) Wells. A 1945 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, Tony went on to proudly serve our Country with the United States Army.
On May 1, 1954 in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Dorothy Stanislawski. Tony co-owned and operated the family business for many years, Wells Bros. Restaurant, – a Racine landmark and fine tradition that is carried on today.
Tony was a longtime member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he was very active – especially with the legendary St. Lucy Festival “Spaghetti Dinner”. He was also a member of the Roma Lodge; Racine Downtown Rotary – having been awarded the Paul P. Harris Fellow Award; the Racine Zoological Society; and served as President of Racine Catholic Cemeteries Association for many years. Among his interests, Tony enjoyed playing a round of golf with his wife and friends, a game of cribbage with his siblings, a bocce match with his Lodge brothers, backgammon and puzzle making with his children and grandchildren, and taking Madison road trips to cheer on the Badger hockey team.
Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Dorothy Wells; their children, James Wells of Kenosha, Robert (Jean) Wells of Brown Dear and Lynn Wells of Racine; three treasured grandchildren, Anthony (Vicki) Wells, David Wells and Mary Wells; grand-dog, Minnie; brother, Guy (Karin) Wells; sister, Florence (Bob) Rivers; sister-in-law, Marie Andersen; brothers-in-law, Robert (Sue) Strand and Robert Holly; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and customers – too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to his parents, Tony was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Molinaro; Dorothy’s parents, Peter and Rose (nee: Donley) Stanislawski; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Widmaier and Irene Holly; and brothers-in-law, Edwin Andersen, Bill Widmaier and Eugene Molinaro; nephew, Gary Rivers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:30 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum chapel of Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 pm (Roma Lodge service at 6 pm) and in the church on Saturday from 9:30 -10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Catherine’s Scholarship Fund, Froedtert & Medical College “Parkinson’s & Movement Disorders Program” or to the Catholic Relief Services “Typhoon Haiyan Fund” have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Parkside Manor staff and resident caregivers; Hospice Alliance; and to Dr. Sherif Gobrial for their compassionate care and support; and to all of our family & friends for the many acts of kindness and prayers offered during the past few years. May God bless all of you! “Go easy and take gentle steps.”
Pat says
Sympathies, prayers and hugs to all!
Love Patti
Kay Shalbrack says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wells Family. Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Kay, Dave & Matt Shalbrack
Shelley Maurer says
Tony had the most beautiful smile. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Roger & Mary Wick says
Rest in Peace, you were a good neighbor and friend.
Theresa Candido Leal says
Our family would like to send our deepest sympathies to your family. My Uncles Michael and Gabriel Rinaldi along with my mother and father Mary Rinaldi and Christopher Candido loved your family and we were true to always visiting Wells Bros for a great meal. This is still tradition today. We pray for your peace during this difficult time. May the Lord bless you and keep you remembering the good times that your family has shared not just with each other but with so many of those around you. Love always, The Candido, Rinaldi and Leal families
Martha Ormseth says
Lynn, So sorry to see the passing of your sweet Dad. Thoughts are with you and your family.
Martha Ormseth and Dorothy
David Gissell says
My deepest sympathy for Mr. Tony and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David