Anthony Michael DeOnna, age 59, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024. An adoring father and savvy businessman, he cultivated a life infused with his love of nature and its abundance. His exuberant spirit attracted a diverse community of friends and loved ones, with whom he shared his own abundance – knowledge of the earth he sowed, love in the intuitive way he knew how to care, and in bottles of honey from bees he tended to.
While gone far too soon, he died in the way that he lived – experiencing life to its fullest.
Anthony was born in Birmingham, Alabama on January 31, 1965, to Michael Anthony and Rebecca DeOnna. Raised with traditional values in an Italian family, Anthony learned early on the many ways to express love – to nurture, to nourish, and to be present and embrace the company of loved ones. Anthony inherited his love of gardening and plants from his maternal grandfather, Barney Carson.
Anthony was a loving father to his children, Chloe Renee DeOnna, Anthony Carson DeOnna, and Steven Aaron Grapperhaus, who were his world. With his home nestled in the forest of Grays Woods, he ensured his children grew up with the same fascination and wonder of the natural world. Long barefoot walks in the woods, cultivating a robust garden, cooking Sunday pasta dinner, raising chickens and bees, making maple syrup, and gatherings around the campfire are unforgettable moments of togetherness that grounded and nurtured his family. He empowered them with integrity, strong values, self-reliance, work-ethic, and big, generous hearts.
A self-made entrepreneur, Anthony started his business with a pickup truck, a lawnmower, and a vision. 30 years later, his company EcoLawn employs 29 people and services over 900 residential and commercial properties in State College and the surrounding area. His long hours of investment beautified the community, honored the earth and her ecosystems, and built lasting relationships that reflect his passion for service and a job well done. He led his company much like an extension of his family—imbuing trust, business acumen, and love in his mentorship of those he worked alongside. These values are what his children and employees will carry forward in his name.
Anthony is survived by his parents, his children, the mother of his children Janetta Schmidt, and many loving cousins and extended family.
His daughter Chloe has planned a celebration of life and candlelight vigil in fond remembrance of her father. All community members are welcome to join the family at Fisherman’s Paradise park on Saturday, July 27 starting at 4pm with the vigil beginning at 8:30pm. Note this is an outdoor gathering in an informal setting, please dress accordingly.