Teonte Celeste "Ted" Gentosi

Teonte Gentosi ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by The Cremation Society of Iowa - Des Moines on Mar. 9, 2026.Teonte was born August 31, 1932, on the south side of Des Moines, known as Little Italy, to Aristide Giovanni and Antonia Maria Corso Gentosi, Italian immigrants. He was the middle child of two sisters: Diana Gentosi Evans and Amelita Gentosi Copley.He attended St. Anthony's School through the 8th grade and then Abraham Lincoln High School. At 18 years old, he began his employment at Iowa Power and Light. Today known as MidAmerican Energy. He retired after 44 years of service.He also enjoyed doing concrete work along with his good friends Tony Grasso, Joe Balducci and Rocky Vitiritto. They loved working together and were lifelong friends.He was also part owner of King Tuts with his friend Frank Caligiuri.He enjoyed training his black labs for field trials across the state of Iowa. Two of his labs, Cork of Evergreen and Penny of Evergreen went on to be field trial champions. One of his fondest memories was hunting pigeons under the 7th Street bridge on the south side.Later in his life, he became reacquainted with Dino Righi. They spent almost everyday together. Ted stated many times: "Dino was the brother I never had." They ate lunch, got their haircuts, and attended their Italian clubs together. They both were members and active participants of the Society of Italian Americans and the Vittoria Lodge.He raised his family on Evergreen Avenue on the Southside of Des Moines. He built 3 brick homes on this street. His father told him, if you are going to build a home, build a brick home. As his short term memory faded, he could still recall details of each of these homes.At age 89 he moved into Edencrest of Green Meadows, Johnson, Iowa. He loved the staff and the way they took such great care of him.He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister; Diana Gentosi Evans, nephew; Bobby Evans, and great grandson, William Webb. He is survived by his children, Debra Roberts (Bill), Rick Gentosi (Ronda), and Ted Gentosi (Kim), sister Amelita Gentosi Copley, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.