Anthony R. (Tony) Baxter: Educator and former Rye Town Councilman

February 1, 2024 at 12:13 a.m.

Anthony R. (Tony) Baxter, 55, a longtime resident of Port Chester, died Jan. 29, 2024 in Elmsford.

Born in Long Island City, New York, Tony grew up in Bedford and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Greenwich, Conn.

In 1990, Tony graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History, also playing football and intramural basketball at the university.

He received a Masters in Teaching from Iona University in 1998 and a Masters in Administration from Fordham University in 2003.

Tony raised his children in Port Chester and was an active member of the community. He served as a member of the Port Chester Planning Commission from 2010-2012 and 2017-2021 and as a Councilman for the Town of Rye from 2016 to 2019. He also served as Chair of the Town of Rye’s Sustainability Committee and was a member of the Port Chester 40/40 Club, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Board of Directors of the Port Chester Council for the Arts.

Tony was a beloved educator and administrator. He started his career at Iona Prep, where from 1993-1999 he taught religion and English classes and coached baseball, football, tennis and basketball in varying capacities.

From 1999-2000 he taught 6th grade social studies/ELA and coached high school basketball in the Rye City School District.

Tony returned to Iona Prep as Assistant Headmaster in 2000, progressing to Headmaster until 2004.

He then served as Principal of Blind Brook High School from 2004-2007.

In September of 2007, Tony took a position teaching English at Sleepy Hollow High School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he coached modified football, JV and Varsity basketball, and intramurals and served as advisor for the student newspaper and literary magazine. In 2011, Tony was named Assistant Principal at Sleepy Hollow High School and had remained in that position for the past 13 years. 

Throughout the years, Tony has impacted the lives of thousands of students, parents and colleagues. He is remembered by all for his kind, calm demeanor and dedication to both his profession and his community. Moreover, Tony was a beloved father and a friend to all.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Marge, and is survived by his four children, Hope, Kyle, Lily and Hana; his former wife Dawn, his four siblings Kevin (Kim), Rich, Mary and Kate; and 10 nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving condolences at Oelker-Cox in Mt. Kisco from 4-8 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 1.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Fri., Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church in Bedford.

Cards may be sent to Children of Anthony Baxter, 47 Glenridge Rd., Mahopac, NY 10541.