You’ll find Donna Vallone most days at the restaurant. Also there, executive chef and partner Kate McLean, who worked and trained under Tony Vallone for several years. She returned to Tony’s in 2022 where she has brought her own flair to the kitchen.

So as we say good-bye to 2020, here’s a look at some of the prominent Houstonians and Texans we lost this year and a little about each one of them and their impact. Vickey Gibbs, an activist and associate pastor at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church in Houston died in July at the age of 57. Jason Knox:Police escort body of Jason Knox, Houston officer who was killed in helicopter crashJason Knox is the Houston Police Department officer who died in a helicopter crash in May in north Houston. Robert Mendoza:Remembering Marine with Houston tiesThe Marine with Houston ties died in April at the age of 43 of coronavirus. Tommy Searcy, an 18-year Houston Fire Department veteran, died in September after battling coronavirus for weeks.

HOUSTON Family and friends are mourning Houston restaurateur and chef Tony Vallone who died Thursday. Vallone was the founder of the restaurant Tonys in Greenway Plaza and Tonys Catering. Donna Vallone, Tonys wife of 36 years and partner, said, Ive lost the love of my life and best friend, but I will continue Tonys legacy.According to a statement issued by the restaurant, Vallones wish was for Tonys to continue. Tonys staff and family will honor that wish and his legacy by resuming with normal business operations after a brief closure from Thursday to Monday. Tonys has been in the Houston community for nearly 55 years.