08/11/2026
Anthony Nicholas Di Cesare, DDS
1935 - 2026
The Di Cesare family, with heavy hearts, announces the passing of the patriarch of our family, Anthony Nicholas Di Cesare, DDS.
Anthony was born to Mary (Lippa) and Anthony Di Cesare in 1935 in Rochester, New York. Anthony’s parents were told that their son would never walk. Despite this prognosis, he proved the doctors wrong and walked before his first birthday. This was the way he lived his life—never giving up.
Dad, whom his family affectionately called “Junior,” had humble beginnings growing up with his two brothers, Arthur and Leonard.
After attending Saint Anthony Grade School and The Aquinas Institute of Rochester, he went on to Virginia Military Institute. There, he overcame some of life’s greatest challenges, both academically and physically. However, he graduated from VMI as First Lieutentant in 1957 and went on to serve for six months in the army and then 20 years in the reserves.
After returning to Rochester, he met his future wife, Gretchen Oster, on a blind date. They married in 1961 and began a life together that would grow into a family filled with faith, love, laughter, and countless memories.
Dad went on to pursue his dental education at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry and New York University’s College of Dentistry. He enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career as a periodontist, where he was respected for his dedication, skill, and above all, his genuine care for his patients. He possessed a unique ability to inspire his colleagues to join him in his quest for improvement, even teaching at NYU College of Dentistry into his later years.
Together, Dad and Mom raised seven children, who brought them the joy of 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was the proud father of Anthony M. Di Cesare, DDS (Heidi); Christopher Di Cesare (Denise); Teresa Staub (Brian); Sandra Montefusco (Allen); Daniel Di Cesare, DDS (Michelle); Maria Schiano (Ben); and Julie Di Cesare.
His words, humor, wisdom, strength, and unmistakable personality will live on through each of them. He taught us to stand strong, to love deeply, to laugh often, and to “never, never, never give up.”
Dad was a devoted grandfather who treasured each of his grandchildren: Christina, Anthony, Matthew, and David Di Cesare; Kevin Fallon; Emma, Michael, and Olivia Di Cesare; Andrew and Lauren Staub; Allen,Christopher, and Alaina Montefusco; Isabella, Gabriella, Ava and Nicholas Di Cesare; and Jack and Giuliana Schiano. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Danika and Kiera Kitsakos.
Dad’s faith in God was at the heart of who he was. He was ordained a Catholic Deacon in 2005 and went on to serve at Saint Jerome Church of Our Lady of Hope Parish, where he found deep meaning in helping others and sharing his faith. Delivering homilies allowed Dad to share his gift for storytelling, passing along lessons in faith through his quick wit and sense of humor.
Dad loved tending his garden and maintaining the beautiful home he and Mom created together. He loved reading, taking a trip to Home Depot, settling in with an old movie, and enjoying a good glass of w**e. He had a soft spot for underdogs and a gift for seeing the potential in people others might overlook.
Dad lived a remarkable life. He faced challenges with determination, lived his faith with purpose, and loved his family with his whole heart. His legacy will live on through the people he loved, the lives he touched, the lessons he taught us, and the beautiful life he built with Mom.
We love you, Dad. We promise to carry your strength, your humor, your faith, and your love with us always.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dad’s memory may be made to Dr. Anthony Di Cesare Memorial Fund ℅ Stella Monteleone, Saint Jerome School, 250 Wall Street, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. Donations may be mailed or dropped off at the school office.
Visitation will be held Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Jerome Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Jerome Church.
