Anthony Bandoh

Anthony Kofi Bandoh (Tony), was a father, grandfather, uncle, and brother to his family, and friend to many over the years. He passed away on August 29^th, 2023 at age 80 in Buffalo, NY. 

He was born to Akosua Anane and Kwaku Bandoh in Bekwai, a village in the Asante region of Ghana, West Africa on January 9^th, 1943. After secondary school, he completed training and worked as an accounting tech in Ghana for several years before emigrating to the United States in August 1969, and becoming a naturalized citizen in 1984. He married Florence Bandoh in 1976, and they remained married until 2002. Together, they raised 4 children, Bernice, Evelyn, Andrew and Anthony, Jr.  

In the US, Anthony completed various business management courses and then obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Husson University in Bangor, Maine in 1973. While at university, he was a part of the African Student Union and assumed several leadership roles. After graduation, he was offered a job with Syracuse Housing Authority, and worked there from 1973 until his retirement in 2002.  

In his younger days, Anthony was an avid tennis and football (soccer) player. In his later years, he enjoyed watching a variety of TV including basketball, BET, and CNN. He also enjoyed running errands, reading the newspaper, and mowing the lawn for exercise. Where he really got excited was when he was talking about politics and current events. He loved chatting (debating) on the phone with his numerous friends and family members living around the world about global current events.  

Building community was important to him. Continuing on in his tradition of supporting his fellow brothers and sisters of the African Diaspora, Anthony was one of the founding members of the Ghana Society of Central New York (1985). Affectionately known as Kofi to his peers, he served as the initial treasurer and then as the organization’s Vice President from 1993-95. As a member of the GSCNY, he was instrumental in helping Africans new to Central New York, settle in and feel at home in a new, foreign (and much colder) environment. At any function, he could be found speaking boisterously or being called on to pour libations for new births and celebrations of life in the community.  

Anthony was the last surviving child of his mother, Akosua Anane. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, a few cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and a number of friends and confidants.  

Kofi, brother to many, will be missed.  

Visitation will be held on September 22 from 5-8 pm and the funeral service on Saturday, Sept 23 from 10-12pm and Burns-Garfield Funeral Home 3175 East Genesee St. Syracuse