Anthony D. "Tony" DeJohn

GENEVA – Anthony D. "Tony" DeJohn, age 97, of Geneva, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. There will be no prior calling hours. At the convenience of the family, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church along with a celebration of Tony's life to be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen's Church, 17 Elmwood Ave., Geneva, N.Y. 14456.

Tony was born on March 8, 1928, in Geneva, the son of the late Louis and Mary (Carpentier) Johns. On July 28, 1951, he married the love of his life, Connie DiDuro. Together they shared 74 wonderful years rooted in love, faith, and strong family values. Tony was a devoted father to David and Kathy, a proud grandfather to Anthony and Matthew, and great-grandfather to Leo and Oliver DeJohn. Nothing brought him more joy than being a part of his grandchildren and great grandchildren's lives.

A 1947 graduate of Geneva High School, Tony excelled athletically, earning an impressive 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was a member of the 1946 Geneva Kiwanis Senior Baseball Team that won the New York State Championship at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. His coach, Asa Brooks, hired him at Sears, Roebuck and Company launching a 44-year career from which he retired as a staff and automotive center manager.

Tony was a longtime member of St. Stephen's Church and numerous community and sports organizations, including the Sons of the American Legion Winnek Post #396, Finger Lakes Football Association, NYS Football Association, Rochester Chapter of the International Association of Basketball Officials, College Basketball Officials Association, and the NYS Golf Association.

A passionate and competitive golfer, Tony achieved seven career hole-in-ones, his last at age 90, and proudly shot his age that same year. He played his final rounds of golf at age 94. Over the years, he belonged to Geneva Country Club, Clifton Springs Country Club, and Seneca Lake Country Club, where he was also an owner/partner. He served as a NYS Golf Association rules official for amateur tournaments and spent 32 years working as a starter and ranger at The Club at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida where he and Connie enjoyed winters.

Tony was inducted into the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Section V Football Hall of Fame in 2016. His love of sports extended well beyond playing. For 30 years, he officiated college basketball at NCAA Division I, II, III, and junior college levels, working games in the Big East, Big Ten, Atlantic Ten, and ACC conferences. After retiring from on-court officiating, he became an observer for the Eastern College Basketball Association and the Atlantic Ten Conference. Throughout his career, he met and officiated many future NBA players and notable coaches. In addition to basketball, Tony officiated college lacrosse for 25 years, NCAA Division III football for 35 years, and high school football and basketball for more than three decades.

Despite his many accomplishments, Tony's greatest pride and joy was always his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie (DiDuro) DeJohn; his children, David (Judy) DeJohn of Geneva and Kathy DeJohn-Pierce of Canandaigua; grandchildren, Anthony DeJohn of Farmington and Matthew DeJohn of Port St. Lucie, FL; great-grandchildren, Leo DeJohn and Oliver DeJohn; sisters-in-law, Cecelia DeJohn and Ursula DiDuro; brother-in-law, Ermen "JuJu" DeMatties; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Tony was predeceased by his siblings, Pasquale "Pat" Johns, Marie Rose Ward, O'Neil DeJohn, and Barbara DeMatties, and by his son-in-law, Bernie Pierce, Jr.

For tributes and condolences, please visit www.mcguiganberofuneralhome.com