Anthony Lavigne was born on October 22nd, 1955 at St. John’s Hospital. He was the fifth child of Betty and Lawrence Lavigne. He attended Defer Elementary School, Pierce Middle School, and Grosse Pointe South High School. A golden glove boxer in middle school, he went on to play football as a running back and defensive end in high school.  He had a love of cars, and was the proud owner of a 1973 Corvette with T-tops.  After marrying his high school sweetheart, Ann Marie Armaly, in 1976, they bore a son, Anthony Lavigne Jr., in 1977. He learned his way around the kitchen when he worked at his father’s restaurant, Lombardi’s. His father’s cousin, Tony Lavigne, was general manager and owner of Detroit Italian Bakery and suggested that Anthony try his hand at delivering bread.  He went on to drive a bread route until shortly before he died.

 

Anthony always enjoyed being handy around the house. In his childhood home on Bedford Street, he kept his own workroom in the basement. The lock and lightswitch started out on the outside of the workroom, but after some tormenting times from his siblings, he relocated those switches to the inside. He was never afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. 

 

In 1985, he married again to Rosalie Amore and adopted her daughter Deanna in 1993.  They honeymooned in Naples, Florida, which remained a very special place for him and where his ashes will be spread. Anthony enjoyed marriage with Rosalie for 28 years.  Anthony and Rosalie were grandparents to Deanna’s Giuliana (6) and Anthony’s Anna (7 mos).

 

Anthony Lavigne was a good listener, mindful of others, and a devoted son, husband, father, brother, and grandfather. All that came to know him will remember him with his magical smile that would light up the room, his calm energy, generous spirit, and devotion to family.