Anthony Cagliostro

Anthony “Tony” Cagliostro dedicated his life to public service, learning, and helping others. His work, leadership, and compassion touched many lives over more than nine decades.

He was born on August 4, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York, and passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025 in Venice, Florida.

When Tony was five years old, he moved to Italy to live with his grandparents. He completed his early schooling there during World War II. In 1946, he returned to the United States without speaking English. Through determination and resilience, he adapted quickly and later graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in Brooklyn.

Tony placed great value on education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. John’s University College, a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University Law School, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the State University of New York at Albany.

Leadership came naturally to Tony from a young age. While in law school, he served as President of his second-year class and Senior Editor of the law yearbook Res Gestae. At St. John’s College, he was Editor-in-Chief of the literary magazine Epitome, wrote for St. John’s News, and participated in debate and theater clubs.

Tony began his 31-year career in public service with the New York State Rent Commission in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958, where he met his future wife, Monika, while stationed in Frankfurt, West Germany.

Following his military service, Tony continued his public service career with the New York State Department of Social Services. He later became Chief of the Charities Registration Bureau and an associate attorney.

In 1967, he joined the Narcotic Addiction Control Commission, advancing to Counsel, First Deputy Commissioner, and ultimately Chairman. He was appointed Chairman in 1973 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller.

As Chairman, Tony guided statewide addiction treatment and prevention initiatives and helped strengthen services for individuals and families.

Beyond his formal roles, Tony remained deeply committed to public service, education, and entrepreneurship. A man of wide-ranging interests and enterprising endeavors, he brought the same vision and dedication to his business pursuits as he did to his civic work, including opening the restaurant Panetto a Domo, a reflection of his appreciation for community, culture, and hospitality.

He volunteered as Board President of Hospitality House T.C., Inc., a residential treatment center in Albany for young people struggling with substance abuse. He was a longtime member of the New York State Bar Association and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts in New York.

Tony also lectured at Albany Law School, Albany College of Pharmacy, and the New School for Social Research, taught political science at Siena College, and wrote on civil rights and drug abuse policy.

In retirement, Tony remained involved in civic and community life and continued to offer guidance based on his decades of public service.

Tony is survived by his cherished family and friends who will continue his legacy.