Anthony "Tony" Lena, a beloved family man and member of the community, died peacefully on May 13, 2018 at Kent County Hospital in Warwick, RI. He was a devoted husband to his wonderful wife, Val Lena.
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Antonio and Pasqualina Lena. Anthony lived in Warwick for many years before moving to North Scituate. In 1972, he opened a very successful business in Warwick--The Food Chalet, which is still in operation today after 46 years. He also served in the National Guard for more than a decade.
Anthony spent his entire life working in the food industry. His philosophy in life was ensuring service with a smile and he also knew that food brought people together. Reflecting his warm and generous spirit, any child who came to The Food Chalet never left without being offered a slice of cheese, a tradition that still happens today. His passions: family, togetherness, tradition and food. He was a loving and dedicated family man, business owner and friend.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his six children: Elizabeth "Bette" Lena of Smithfield, Maria Lena-Wilson and her husband, Stephen of Warwick, Joseph Lena and his wife, Susan of Scituate, Julie Lena of Smithfield, Anthony Lena and his wife, Amy of Killingly, CT, Jennifer Slaughter and her husband, Robert of Warwick; as well as his six grandchildren: Laura, Sara, Joshua, Olivia, Madeline, and Benjamin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul The Apostle, 116A Danielson Pike, Foster, RI 02825. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation respectfully omitted.
Keeping in line with his passion of food and togetherness, the family asks that donations be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 964 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. https://littlesistersofthepoorpawtucket.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/WishList or St. Paul The Apostle Church, 116A Danielson Pike, Foster, RI 02825.
