J. Anthony Antonelli

J. Anthony Antonelli, (75), passed away on February 20, 2024 due to complications related to cancer. He was surrounded by loving family and friends during his final days. When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Anthony's first response was "my marriage." His love story with Elizabeth (also known as Betsy) was truly a great romance, created over 50 years through daily love, sacrifice, and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They celebrated their 50th anniversary and final year together traveling the world, and they look forward to one day continuing their love story and the family they created throughout eternity.
Second only to his marriage, Anthony was most proud of his five daughters, two sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. Early on in his life, he was given the great blessing of a sure knowledge of the testimony of Joseph Smith as the prophet of the Restoration. He lived his life in a way that was consistent with that knowledge, and he and Elizabeth unequivocally taught their children to trust in the Lord and in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. Years of early morning scripture reading, Family Home Evenings, General Conference attendance, and Come Follow Me discussions taught their family not only to live and love the gospel, but to experience the truth of Lehi's claim that it is the thing "most joyous to the soul."
The grandson of Italian immigrants, Anthony was born in Niagara Falls, Canada to Armand and Marguerite Antonelli. It was there that his mother first accepted the missionaries and began teaching her children about the Book of Mormon through storybooks she created. Later, when the family immigrated to the United States, Anthony attended 26 schools in 12 years while his father worked hard in various locations and professions to support them. Wherever they moved, Anthony learned to look up the name of the church in the phone book and ask if someone could pick him up and take him to primary. He loved it there because it was peaceful and the people were kind. Through the church he found wonderful mentors who offered him a new perspective of life. When he was 12 years old, his father finally allowed the family to join the church, and he was baptized in a swimming pool as his first step on the covenant path.
In 1965, Anthony's patriarchal blessing promised that he would see iron curtains broken down, and that he would be called to bring words of comfort to those in darkness. That same year, Italian government officials allowed missionary work to begin again in Italy, and soon afterwards Anthony was thrilled to be called to serve in the land of his ancestors. He often reminisced that serving the Italian people and laying the foundation for the church in Italy was one of the great joys of his life. He was always happiest when serving the Lord. When the first stake in Southern Italy was announced in 1997, Anthony remembered a blessing he had given as a missionary years earlier in which a new member was promised to someday see a stake of Zion created in the Puglia. When the Rome, Italy temple was opened in 2019, Anthony was there to witness the miracle and rejoice with the people he loved so much. After his mission, Anthony traveled to a small village in Abruzzi called Giuliano Teatino where the Antonelli family originated. There he reconnected with long lost relatives who remain a close part of the family to this day.
Upon returning home from his mission, Anthony attended college at BYU. He loved his time there, particularly his involvement as the elected Vice President of Student Activities. In that capacity, Anthony orchestrated one of the great eras of BYU Concerts. He was responsible for bringing to the university great artists like The Carpenters, Cat Stevens, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Crosby Stills and Nash. There he made lifelong friendships which he treasured until the end of his life. His BYU roommate was with him in the hospital on the day he passed away.
After college, Anthony became a successful entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He was instrumental in building both Cutco and NuSkin, and found great joy traveling the world mentoring and teaching others the principles of business. He loved to set and reach impossible goals, and inspired others to do the same.
In 2016, he co-founded Havenpark Communities together with his son-in-law Robison Pratt. Having come from very humble beginnings, Anthony was proud to create quality and affordable manufactured home communities across the United States. He felt deep admiration and love for the Havenpark team and enjoyed their association throughout the final chapter of his career. He left behind a legacy of innovation, resilience, and boundless determination - values that Havenpark continues to embrace and champion as a company.
Anthony and Elizabeth raised their family in Ohio, Virginia, China, California, Washington and Utah. While they were always sad to say goodbye, they enjoyed the adventure of getting to know new places and making new friends all over the world.
Anthony took his service in the church very seriously. He particularly loved his many callings as a minister, and throughout his life felt great love for the families he served. As a Bishop for a BYU singles ward, he felt deeply invested in the lives of each one of his students, and often spoke fondly of that period in his life. He served as a High Council member, a scout master, and many, many times as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He was honored and grateful to serve in the temple as a patron, and in both the Oakland and Provo temples as an Ordinance Worker. He especially loved working at the recommend desk where he could welcome patrons individually with his infectious smile.
For fun, Anthony loved two things most: BYU sports and fast machines. He rarely missed a game during football or basketball season, and in the summertime he could be found most days happily flying his plane over the country. He particularly enjoyed the motorcycle trip he took from Northern California to Alaska with his brother-in-law. In addition, Anthony took every opportunity he could to enjoy the Southwest sunshine where he felt most at home.
Anthony loved music and was an exceptional singer. He once starred in a mini Italian opera, and once sang "The Waters of March" in a duet with his daughter Nancy at her wedding that will never be forgotten.
Anthony was passionate about giving back. He established a scholarship program through Havenpark which now provides access to higher education for over 50 students, and last year he traveled to the Ukraine to provide support and supplies for victims of the war. He was a counselor and mentor in the growth of Rising Star Outreach and Humanitarian Experience (HXP), and was a deeply committed supporter of Saprea, To Ukraine with Love, the Utah Food and Care Coalition, and many other organizations.
Last year, Anthony and Elizabeth were honored to sponsor the life-sized statue of Joseph Smith that will be included in the upcoming Tree of Life exhibit at Thanksgiving Point. On the back of the statue they had a plate inscribed with a scripture reference that Elizabeth suggested, one they both agreed had fundamentally directed their life together: "I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it." (Joseph Smith-History 1:25)
If Anthony could leave a final message to the world, it would be that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that following our Savior is the way to a life of true peace and joy.
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