He is an amazing man who has led an amazing life. That man is Anthony De Riggi, better known as Tony Dee.
Tony came from a modest family in Farmingdale, New York. With no formal education, he started giving haircuts for 75 cents. He then decided to go to barber college in the Bowery, Manhattan, in 1957 and by 1960 he became a hairstylist to the stars. He took his craft to the Westbury Music Fair on Long Island where he styled the hair of many celebrities, such as George Hamilton, Merv Griffin, Liberace and more.
Tony started dabbling in real estate in 1962 on a small scale. In 1984, he built and sold 60 condos in Coral Springs, Florida all in the space of just nine months.
In 1990, he and a business partner took a chance on a dinner club on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The club that opened was called Chardee’s, and it was located where Bill’s Filling Station now resides. Two years later, he bought the block of stores surrounding Chardee’s and he created Dee Plaza. Throughout the years, Tony has bought and sold many commercial properties on the Drive and owns several to this day, with more on the way.
Tony currently resides in Wilton Manors with his partner, Andy Martin.
Come to Rumors and help Tony Dee celebrate his 80th birthday! Be there on Tuesday, October 21!
