Tony Pete Borgognoni dies

By Borgognoni Family

Tony Pete Borgognoni, born February 6, 1931, went to heaven March 28, at the age of 93. 

He was the youngest of 11 children, born of Italian Immigrants who settled at the Sunnyside Plantation in Lake Village.  Tony was a lifelong farmer who began in his youth behind a mule and plow on the family farm.  Throughout his farming career, he embraced the evolving innovations in technology for planting, harvesting, and crop management. Tony raised a wide variety of crops, and he was a successful entrepreneur in several businesses. His passion for the land included raising cattle, horses, and most livestock.  He attended St Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Lakeside High in 1949. Immediately thereafter, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was in charge of personnel for his company division.  Soon thereafter, he married Elizabeth “Libby” Olivi on November 5, 1956.  They had a wonderful marriage for 67 years and were blessed with 6 children. 

Throughout his life, Tony devoted himself to serving his church and community.  He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, a member of the St. Isidore Society and the Knights of Columbus.  He was happiest in serving his church and his hometown of Lake Village.  Tony was a charter member of Our Lady of the Lake parish council.  He was deeply involved in leading many improvement projects for the church, the cemetery, St.Mary’s school, the playground, parish hall and museum. Being very community-minded, he donated to the city of Lake Village acres of property for recreation and city improvements for the benefit of his fellow citizens.  In 2009, Tony and his wife Libby were honored by the Lake Village Chamber of Commerce for outstanding achievement and contributions to the city as “Business of the Year 2008.” 

Tony was committed to mentoring the youth devoting many years to coaching baseball.  He always made sure that everyone played, participated, and had fun.  Above all, he stressed good sportsmanship as the foundation for the game.  He was an avid hunter, sports fan, travel enthusiast, and enjoyed these activities with his family and friends.

He was known by many for his engaging personality. Tony always endeavored to bring good cheer to others.  He created a smile or laugh from a joke or by his quick uplifting wit.  After his retirement, he remained active in farming and continued raising livestock.  During these years, he fully enjoyed his Monday night card games and fellowship with his friends.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Giuseppe Borgognoni and Marcella Alpe. His siblings Dell Taylor, Mary Borgognoni, Corinne Rocconi, Rose Beggs, Gelia Siracusa, Ida Werner, Alex (Sonny) Borgognoni, Mack Borgognoni, Anne Cappel, and his two sons, Joseph and Tracy Borgognoni.

He is survived by his wife Libby, two daughters Julie and Leslie, and two sons, Anthony (Gina) and William (Leslie) Borgognoni. Also, he is survived by his brother Joe Borgognoni Jr., and his grandchildren, Alex (Courtney), Kanda, Scott, Brooke (Jake), and David.  His in-laws Marilyn Jo Borgognoni, SantoOlivi, Della Hudson, Robert Olivi (Tarncy), Phyllis Raffanti (Jimmy), plus a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

Tony put God first in his life and worshipped him faithfully until the end. He was devoted to his family and beloved by his wife, family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made in his name to: OurLady of the Lake Catholic Church, PO Box 272, Lake Village, AR 71653

Mass of Christian Burial was held April 3 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

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