Dr. Anthony Lenti

Dr. Anthony Lenti, aka Dad, Mister Doc, Dr. Lenti, or "...that handsome devil," died on November 5, 2024 at 79 years old, listening to Mozart, being cared for by the angelic staff of The Clinton Presbyterian Community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Anna, and now joins them along with all of the wonderful composers to whose music he dedicated his professional life. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dr. Marianne Lenti, his brother Vince (Chris), sons Joey (Maiko) and John (Sarah), and grandsons, Mau and Victor. Tony taught at Lander University for 51 years, much of that time alongside Marianne, and the impact of their work on the cultural life of South Carolina could hardly be overstated. Tony poured himself into teaching, exemplifying for generations of students a love of beauty, a respect for the arts, a deep interest in history, and a sense of the power of music. He played his scales and etudes diligently and expected hard work of others both at the piano and in the classroom, and chances are good that if you, dear reader, did not have lessons or classes with him yourself, you have heard or learned from one of his students. He and Marianne met while students at the Eastman School of Music and began to play duets while on their honeymoon in Florence, Italy. Tony and Marianne toured for 40 years as the Lenti Piano Duo, playing in such diverse venues as London's Wigmore Hall and the elephant enclosure at Riverbanks Zoo. He and Marianne were one of the great double acts of their era, dispelling the myth of "stuffy" classical music by mixing the great works of Schubert and Mozart with jazz standards and whip-smart comedic banter. Theirs was also a grand romance. Find yourself someone as devoted to you as Tony was to Marianne. He was an extravagantly loving father, uncle, and grandfather, and his paternal love and care extended to his students. He left the world more beautiful than he found it. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Funeral services will be conducted 3:30 PM Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Debby Plumsted-Marshall officiating. Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Lenti family with arrangements.