"Tony" Wu Li
November 9, 1973 - August 28, 2020

"You are near, even if I don?t see you. You are with me, even if you are far away. You are in my heart, In my thoughts, In my life, always??"

"Always gracious and kind. "

"Patricia & Philip Briasco There is only one word and it is disbelief and total shock. It was always a treat to go to Tony\'s Sushi for us and anyone that was visiting Ocala especially during November when The Greater Ocala Dog Club has it\'s shows. All the dog show people go to Tony\'s. My brother who lives in New York and has traveled all over the world loved going to Tony\'s. He said it was the best Sushi he has ever had. Tony always made you feel important and welcome. He was the \"quintessential restaurateur,\" always overseeing the kitchen and being involved in the entire process. Prayers for Jane and family. "

"I AM FROM WEST PALM BEACH FL. MY FAMILY LIVES IN SUMMERFIELD PRIOR TO LIVING IN OCALA. ON MY VISITS TO SEE THEM I WOULD STAY ANYWHERE FROM 5-7 DAYS. WE ATE AT TONYS 2-3 TIMES DURING MY VISIT. SOMETIMES LUNCH. SOMETIMES DINNER . SOMETIMES BOTH. TONY ALWAYS GREETED US BY THE DOOR AND DURING DINNER STOPPED AT OUR TABLE TO SEE HOW EVERYTHING WAS. IF A DISH WASN\'T ON THE MENU HE?D MAKE WHATEVER YOU WANTED. GOD BLESS TONY AND REST IN PEACE. HEAVEN IS LUCKY TO HAVE A PERSON AS WONDERFUL AND CHARMING AS YOU. SHELDON WOLLER"

"May you rest in paradise Tony. Your presence will be missed greatly and your legacy and spirit will remain forever. Jessica Hirschenson"

"you know, when i woke up with the news of my uncle, i had no words. just pure shock. the whole day i couldn?t comprehend what had happened mostly because it still felt like he was here, in ocala with his beloved restaurant. I still remember the time where when i was little we use to play together, and talk at the bar about my school. I still remember the last conversation i had with him. We were talking about me perusing a modeling career. He told me to go do it because I will be great at it. i told him i?d think about it. So now, im going to take my shot at it because he would have wanted me to do it. Rest easy uncle tony."

"It broke my heart in pieces when I heard you were gone. I miss you call my nick name, miss your iconic laugh, miss your company when I up in Ocala etc.... I?m not going to say goodbye cuz I know you always with us. Rest in place my best brother in law Tony. "

"Sending love and prayers your way. We are sorry for your loss. From the Roma Italian Family "

"I first met Tony. With George Issacs. And Doug and Teresa Palmer when they took me to lunch after winning the 2007 Hummer for breeding my mare to Mister Livingston..I was so excited!! Tony made the best suggestions. And i ate there every week or two. RIP "

"Harry and I were so shocked and saddened to hear the news that Tony had fallen ill and passed so suddenly. Jane you are in our thoughts and in our hearts. I pray for comfort and peace for you and the family. We have thoroughly enjoyed so many special moments, meals, holidays at Tony\'s Sushi ...the food and ambience was amazing but the love and attention we received from Tony and Jane made us feel so special. We know everyone felt this way...but that is what made Tony so amazing. It was genuine...he loved his community, patrons and staff. It was apparent to all. We feel for the family and staff\'s great loss. For the communities loss of a beautiful soul. But Jane...my heart ACHES for you. We love you, Tony, Jane, family & staff. ? Marni & Harry Pond"

"My condolences & prayers go out to the families. I was truly in shock & in tears when I saw the news. Tony?s was my favorite restaurant when my kids or anyone was treating me out they already knew that?s where I wanted to go. I not only loved the food I loved the atmosphere & Tony always made it a point to walk around & say hello & make feel at home. He will definitely be missed! Prayers of strength go out to the family "

"Dear Tony, I don?t know what to say. You have given me knowledge, independence, you?ve helped build my character and embedded integrity into me. You?ve watched me grow from a fragile, scared young woman (dumbass) into a fierce little shit. Through it all, all that I can say is thank you. Thank for everything you?ve done, everything you?ve taught me, and for everything that you?ve ever said. I pray a prayer of strength & healing for his loved ones. ?It is not until all is said and done? We love you, see you on the other side ??"

"Rajnikant Patel Dear Tony Your passing away is a tremendous loss to the Ocala community. You will always be remembered for you cheerfulness and liveliness. My deepest condolences to Jane and your Family. "

"Since the first day you opened the restaurant, Roger and I have loved visiting with you, Jane and Mikey. When I flew with Mikey to New York it made me feel like family. Jane always worked so hard and Mikey could make the best \"special\" stuff for us. Our friends from out of town always felt special there with you. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Our grandsons loved their birthdays there. I especially will miss my big bear hug. You will always be special. R.I.P."

"Tony will be missed by so very many of us. May the family find peace"

"My husband and I always looked forward to our Sunday lunch treats at Tony?s. Not only was the food consistently excellent, Tony was usually there to greet everyone and check on us during our meal throughout our visit. I?ve not seen any business owner as genuine and eager to make all his patrons feel at ?home? as Tony did and he will surely missed by so many. Thank you for so many great memories, Tony! "

"We are so sad to hear the news of Tony\'s passing. Tony, we will miss you dearly. For 14 years , every time we came in to your wonderful restaurant, (our personal favorite) you greeted us with a smile and a warm strong embrace. You made us feel like we were part of your family. You always had a beautiful smile on your wonder face that glowed!! Rest in peace. xoxo Thomas and Melody"

"Rip Dear Tony... 15 years your huge smile and friendship warmed our hearts when we walked in the door. After moving to Southern Florida we never missed stopping in on our way through Florida and you would would greet us like we never left! Love and prayers to Jane and the rest on his family along with the millions of friends that will grief the huge loss of this wonderful man! You\'ll be missed! The town of Ocala will be a little darker without the huge BRIGHT smile that lit the town and filled the hearts of all that knew him. xo Mike and Lisa"

"We knew each other for 19 years. We had many talks about business and family. All of my children had 99% of there Birthdays at Tony\'s! I cannot put into words the emotions I am feeling. My prayers and condolences go out to Jane, family, friends and all who knew you! You will be sorely missed. Until we meet again my friend. GodSpeed! "

"His warm smile and hugs will be missed. Tony always made my kids laugh and treated everyone in his restaurant as welcomed guests. Rest In Peace. Thoughts and prayers for Jane and family."

"Tony... Your Smile, your laugh, your hugs... You are deeply missed & will most certainly Never be forgotten. You\'ve touched so many people, including me and my family over the years. I will never forget all of the wonderful memories. Thoughts & prayers to all of your family & friends! "

"Tony we were so shocked to hear of your passing. Our hearts are mourning such a genuinely nice guy. You always conducted your business with a smile and gratitude towards your customers. Every time we came through the door we felt so welcomed. Our deepest condolences to your family , for I?m sure they are so heartbroken as we all are. You will be deeply missed. God needed an Angel and called you home. R.I.P. ? John Liz & Family "

"My deepest condolences to Jane and the family. Tony and Jane have been a big part of special occasion I started when my 17 year was only one. Going to eat at his favorite restaurant every week. Rice every where but they loved him and made it so special for us. Each time Tony and his wife made it a point to to spend time evenWhen the place was busy and share their lives making our visit memorable. Tony knew exactly how to make your day with whipping together one of his favorite drinks, and Jane would see my son running to her just to get the lollipop and hugs. Always a smile a hug and a family visit to our favorite place. You will be missed by us greatly. ?"

"Our family is absolutely shocked and deeply saddened. Tony and Jane were like family to us, a part of our lives, who watched our kids grow up and helped us celebrate many special occasions . Tony even treated me to some of his \'hidden\' uni stash. Our deepest condolences to Jane and Mike and the gang. "

"Shocking is how this came to us. May you Rest In Peace Tony. You brought happiness to our family and always we?re kind and inviting. I feel your loss with a heavy heart. To Jane, my sincerest condolences in this great time of suffering. Ed Lucas, Liz West and family. "

"Unbelievable! Tony\'s was one of our family\'s favorite restaurants. You made us part of your family and you were part of ours. My daughters loved you and you and I had tons of excellent conversations about life, beer and brewing..and rum. I am saddened that the economy caused me to stop visiting...but will always remember your smiling face and genuine charm. Rest in peace friend."

"What a loss to the community! This is so sad, you were way too young! Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!"

"What a loss to the community! Way too young. You will be missed by so many. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. "

"Our sincere condolences to Jane and family , Tony was a wonderful character and gentleman and made everyone feel like family! May you RIP Tony and know that you will be missed by an entire Community. Edward & Sally Lazo and family xxx "

"Such a tragic loss of one of the most delightful and well respected members of the Ocala Community. You will be dearly Missed Tony- Thank you for enriching the lives of so many. "

"Tony you made such an impact on our family and the lives of so many others. We loved coming to see you and that huge smile and that handshake and how you always had time to ask how things were even when you were so busy there wasn?t room to walk around. Your countless contributions to the community and just your love for life! Let?s not forget that yellow Hummer ?. You and your family have shown our family so much love and our little girl absolutely adored you and always looked for you when we came in and loved how you always made such a big deal over her. Our hearts are broken and we are gonna miss you more than you will ever know! We love you! So much! Rest easy! ?"

"So very sad. What a loss to our community. Such a happy and kind person he always was he will be missed. His family will be in our prayers. "

"Tony I /We always loved coming to eat your amazing and delicious food, and getting to see your smiling face and getting a hug from you. You were also my Brandies first boss and you taught her so much and she loved working for you, she always looked forward to what she could learn from you!! She really looked up to you like family you were to all of us ! We will miss you so very much !!You always made us feel warm and welcomed and special and thats what will make you memorable! Thank you, and may you be with the angels in heaven RIP Tony Our love and Prayers to all your family and friends! Kim Kirkwood"

"Tony you were like a second dad to brandie we will always remember you being her first employer and the things you were able teach about business you will be missed"

"My heart breaks to hear of your passing! Our family has made so many memories in your amazing restaurant. Every single special occasion was celebrated at our most favorite restaurant!! Anytime our girls came your smile brightened and you have them treats! You always made us feel special. I pray for your family in and out of the restaurant. May you Rest In Peace. "

"So heartbroken to hear this sad news you always had a smile on your face you always greeted your guests with such warmth ,making us feel like family . You created an amazing restaurant with amazing food and great staff my prayers go out to your family and your staff you will be greatly greatly missed"

"Very Sad to hear this news of Tony passing. We live in North Florida and always make it a point to stop and have sushi whenever Ocala. Such a huge loss to the community. We were always welcomed with a friendly smile and great service. I sometimes wondered if Tony ever went home, he was always there smiling. God speed my friend "

"He made everyone feel like the most important people at the restaurant. God speed, Tony, you will be missed. Sympathies to his loved ones. "

"So very sad to hear of Tony?s passing. I always enjoyed talking with him at his wonderful restaurant "

"You were one of the first people my husband and I got to know almost 20 years ago when we moved to Ocala. We traded many ice-creams for sushi while we ran Cold Stone, and I can\'t count the number of times we all hung out in the VIP area of the club after work. We will miss your smiles and laughter."

"My family and I send are condolences. We have made so many memories visting and enjoying eating at his restaurant. Most recently yesterday on the 28th of August . My grandson and I celebrate our birthdays on that date and we decided to get takeout yesterday instead of our usual dine in due to Covid. We thoroughly enjoyed our birthday meal at home with family and we had Toni in our conversation at dinner reminiscing on how many. years we have been going there and how nice and friendly Toni was. My daughter and her family who used to live here in Ocala always made a viait to dine there. Last night we had no clue that Toni had passed but we want his family and friends to know how much we appreciated Toni . He will be missed and I\'m so sorry for your loss."

"Saké Bombs and Sunshine Rolls! We\'re going to miss his friendly face and charm. The DiPesas love Tony!"

"You will be missed brotha! Thanks for all the good times!"

"When I brought my parents in he would always make them feel like they had a special son and made them proud it was me. "

"Tony you always made me -every one feel Welcome I always got a great big hug and How have you been...Going to miss you. I will never forget you Prayers to all of Tony?s friends and family."

"We walked into your restaurant hours after you opened your doors for the first time years ago, from that moment you became a friend. It?s hard to believe your gone. You will forever be remembered by our family as the sweetest and most kind and giving gentleman. Prayers to your family in this time of grieving such a huge loss. Love you."

"Wow! Tony, you were such an amZing man! My first experience was coming in to have some of your delicious food! Then one of my best friends got a job there so I visited her often. Then what do you know I worked right next-door at the Greek restaurant there. The insanely good times we all had! I think I had sushi from there almost every day for dinner and yes, it was always delicious, but really we all came over to say hi to Tony! My first experience with a sake bomb, hanging out after the restaurants closed and driving around in that yellow Hummer of yours ha ha Ha. Ocala is really going to miss you man!"

"One of the first friends I made in Ocala. He was always very gracious and helpful. Love and prayers to Jane and staff and family. Michelle and Doc Barber"

"I am feeling very sad after hearing about the passing of Tony. He became a friend since the first time that my family and i walked into his restaurant many years ago. He always had a smile on his face. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."

"Thank you for every smile, hug, conversation, and meal. You were one of the great ones Tony! I will never forget you and your incredible personality! You were loved so very much. RIP kind friend. Many prayers and deepest condolences to Tony?s family. I?m so sorry for this great loss. -Amber B"

"Condolences to the family and friends.... He will always be remembered... peace"

"Tony, we will miss your goofy, light-bringing personality and your sweet soul. Things won?t be the same without you here. Watch over us & know that you will always mean so much to so many people! ??"

"Hey tony this is Nigel murray I meet you when I was 17 working day and night next door with our friend at Lakis. You?ve watch us graduate, learn to drive, annoy you with loud music in the parking lot from our cars and even have fun like rides in the Yellow Hummer when you first bought it. What Can I say you knew how to have fun and we loved you for it. A true business man you are but family is how we know you best. Your birthday party dinners is something I?ll never forget. We ate like Kings and drank like fish. I can?t hold back the tears right now because I?m a softie. But all though those sake bombs made me a man. I love you, we love you and will continue to support you and your family. Before I go I want to say Jane I?m so sorry you are one of the strongest women I?ve ever met. Qualities like yours aren?t found in many much less in America! Forever in our hearts you and your husband will be. Thank you this time to share my words I love you thank you again. "

"Mr Tony will be missed by many!!! Cherish your memories prayers "

"Tony, my Japanese brother..i will miss you. "

"Dear Tony, You are the King of Ocala. The world took away an Angel. You will always be remembered and missed. We love you. "

"Tony will be missed greatly. He was always very accommodating not just because we are neighbors but as the owner, he knows to make his customers happy and always wanting to come back. He never stop to greet us at our table when he knows we are there. Such a great person but he is in a better place now and in great hands. Rest In Peace Tony???"

"Tony was an icon in Ocala. What a great person and could always be seen smiling. He will be missed. Send our deepest condolences. "

"So sad to hear about this! Tony was an amazing guy and always made sure to make our kids feel special when we took them in for birthday dinners. He will be greatly missed :( prayers from the Ellis Family. "

"Tony was always so nice to my family when we would come in and enjoy sushi! My kids would love talking to him and would always want pictures! He will truly be missed. Love and prayers to all who loved him ??"

"A friend to all! Tony always had a way of making everyone feel so special when you visited his restaurant . He will be missed by so many people! ?"

"Tony, you have been my second dad since I was 15, always there and always teaching me about life. You put your heart and soul into everything you did. I?ll miss you your Sushi babies will miss you and your Tony?s family will miss you walking around making sure we were doing the absolute best for your restaurant. Your family will miss that smile and goofy laugh - we love you so much please watch over us. We will never forget you Tony. Rest In Peace. "

"forever one of my favorite bosses ?? always was feeding me when i was pregnant & if i needed anything he always made sure i had it . rest easy tony ???"

"My heart breaks for the loss to his family and all of us who knew and loved Tony His magnanimous larger than life personality, his ready smile and his empathy drew people to him. Once you met him you were his friend. Gone to soon. Danzel"

"So sad, I can?t imagine he is no longer with us. Our deepest condolences "

"We will miss him dearly after knowing him for 19 years never heard him say anything bad about anything or anyone praying for jane and his brother and the rest of his family will surely be missed momason and popason ????"

"Tony had an amazing way of making everyone feel special. His smile and laughter lit up the room. I will miss seeing him. Praying for Jane, his family and friends. May the memories of his kind spirit carry you through these tough days."

"Your smile would always brighten up the room. I am honored to have known you for the 15+ years we?ve been friends. Prayers for the family and may you Rest In Peace my friend. Love you!"

"I am heartbroken to hear of the loss of Tony. Condolences to Jane and all of Tony?s loved ones. He was a bright light in this world. He will be missed by myself and so many others. "