Obituary of Antonio Lauria

Antonio “Tony” Lauria, 62, beloved husband of Jean C. Stevens Lauria, and iconic owner of Gershon’s Deli, died peacefully, Sept. 9, at Ellis Hospital, with his family at his side. Antonio was born in Sicily, in 1954, son of the late Angelo and Antonia Lauria. The youngest of nine children, he emigrated at age 19 to the United States, looking for opportunities for a good and successful life. He found work as a dishwasher in Albany, kitchen helper at St. Clare’s Hospital, and in 1978, counterman and cook at Gershon’s Deli. He was quickly embraced by Gershon’s then owner, Bob Lessner, nephew of Gershon’s Deli founders, Irv and Lena Gershon,who referred to him as his “adopted son”. Tony purchased Gershon’s Deli from Lessner in 1985, and has been the sole proprietor since 2009. Tony’s extraordinary work ethic and generous spirit are legendary. Only the best would do for his customers. Best food. Best quality. Best service. And, as he was always quick to add, “the best staff anywhere”. He was energized by the generations of families that were Gershon’s Deli regulars. He thrived on the relationships forged on Schenectady’s Upper Union Street and throughout the Capital Region. Yes, it was business, but with Tony, it was personal. He believed in giving back to the community and quietly supported innumerable good causes, including, youth programs, education, the arts, healthcare,food pantries and his church. With an eye toward the future, and a plan to ensure that Gershon’s would continue in true family tradition, Tony launched a second Gershon’s Deli location last month in Latham, with his daughter, Antonia “Toni” Nelson, as manager. Family has always been the cornerstone in Tony’s life, and he took great joy in every moment spent with them. (cooking for a crowd, vacations, holiday celebrations, etc.). In addition to his parents, Tony was predeceased by siblings, Angela Lauria,Isabella Lauria, Giuseppe Lauria, Angelo Lauria and Giuseppina Lauria. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; daughters, Bridget (Danielle) Battease and Antonia (Clifford) Nelson, Kim Stevens; and son, Todd (Kim) Stevens; brother, Domenico (Zina) Lauria; sisters, Isabella(Remo) Schiavone and Rosa (Salvatore Incorvaia)Lauria; grandchildren, Cecilia and Charlie Bauer, Benjamin and Theresa Nelson and Kayla Stevens; also, his niece and goddaughter, Veronica Schiavone; and her sister, Maria Schiavone; also, in Sicily,eight nieces and nephews; and 12 great-nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Monday (September 12) and Tuesday (September 13) from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 912 Rte. 146, Clifton Park. The Reverends Papaolakis, will be officiating. Interment will be private. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, PO Box 105, Glenolden, PA 19036 or donate online at http://www.cmtausa.org/donate/makea-donation/; Culinary Arts Program (Scholarship tobe established in his name)at Schenectady County Community College; Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region;St. George’s School in Clifton Park.