06/04/2026
The Nellie’s Restaurant Family Mourns the Passing of Antonio Muñiz, Jr.
Antonio Muñiz, Jr.—Tio Tony, as he was lovingly known in our family and throughout the community—passed away on Sunday, May 31. His death was sudden and unexpected, but thankfully, he endured no suffering. The Nellie’s Restaurant family and current and former staff are in deep mourning. We have lost a cherished pillar in our lives.
Tio Tony was a founder of Nellie’s, which is named after his beloved sister, who passed away in 2004. Without his financial support, the restaurant would have never opened. Over the past twenty years, Tio Tony was as much a staple at the restaurant as the avena de coco. He loved Division Street and Humboldt Park, talking to people along his long walks, taking photographs, watching his favorite game shows, and collecting pieces of community life.
Tio Tony will be remembered by many for his humor, generosity, dedication to family, and unparalleled Puerto Rican pride. Te amamos y te extrañaremos sin límites.