Anthony Gordon Townsend

May 23, 1947 – March 5, 2026

Anthony Gordon Townsend, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and veteran,

passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. Born on May 23, 1947, in Oyster Bay,

New York, Tony's roots in that community ran deep across generations. He grew

up playing football, learning to box under the guidance of his Uncle Bunk, and

earning the admiration of all who knew him. He went on to attend Cobleskill

College before his country called and Tony answered without hesitation. Drafted

into the United States Army, he served in the Army Security Agency and Army

Intelligence during the Vietnam War — a chapter of his life he carried with quiet

pride and dignity.

In 1979, Tony married the love of his life, Susan, and together they raised a

wonderful family. He devoted over three decades to the Town of Oyster Bay

Housing Authority, retiring in 2016 as foreman — a role he cherished along with

the crew he led. Outside of work, Tony found joy in fishing, writing poetry, and

the soulful sounds of the Temptations and Motown.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife Susan; his children Robin, TJ and his wife

Trisha, Shannon, Andrew and his partner Joanna, and Tara; his grandchildren

Cayce, Kylie, Noah, Alex, Anthony, Jayden, Jordan, and Amayah; his sister

Andrea Harris; his niece Christina and her children Tyler and Brielle; his nephew

Maxie, his wife Sylvanna, and their son Raziel; his beloved best friend and son of

his heart, Marc Rosasco, his wife Melissa, and their sons Tyler and Nicholas; and

a large and loving extended family of cousins and friends. He was preceded in

death by his parents, Emma and Joseph Townsend; his brother Ricky; his aunts

Wee Wee, Clara, Gloria, Mae, Rachael, and Della; his uncle Eddie; and his

beloved Edith and Harry "Uncle Bunk" Simmons, who were like second parents

to him and shaped the man he became.

Rest easy, Tony. You earned it.