Tony Lionel Bhola

Tony Lionel Bhola, affectionately known as “Lawrence”, was born in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, in the city of San Fernando, on January 5th, 1951 to the late Milley Bhola and Henrey Collins. He departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Tony attended Mon Repos Roman Catholic School in San Fernando, Trinidad. In his early years, he worked on a fishing boat for his uncle, Mr. Dyer, where he worked as a cook.

In 1973, at the age of 22 Tony migrated from Trinidad and made his way to the United States. He made many stops on his way to America but he settled in Washington, DC. In DC is where he met and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Taylor Bhola. They were married for over 44 years. From that union they had two daughters together, Chandra and Elizabeth Bhola.

Tony attended Tesst Institute in the late 80s where he received certification in Stationary Engineering. From there he began a prominent 30 year career in the hospitality industry as a Chief Building Engineer for various hotels all over the Washington DC metro area. He took great pride in his leadership role because it gave him the ability to mentor and to hire immigrants who were new to America and had trouble finding employment. It meant alot to him to be able to help others have a good start in their life's journey in America. His leadership role stood as an inspiration to the immigrants he would hire—and most of them would go on to navigate distinguished careers of their own in the hospitality industry because of his mentoring.

Tony was a funny, charismatic man. His quick wit and funny jokes would make everyone in his presence laugh. He was full of wisdom and a joy to be around, he made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He loved horse racing, calypso music, gardening, feeding the neighborhood birds, and his favorite squirrel, Ben. Nature gave him great peace. Tony was also a great cook. His curry chicken was always a crowd favorite.

Tony will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. In parting he leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Jacqueline Bhola; two daughters, Chandra and Elizabeth Bhola; five grandchildren, Donte, Janaiya, Jayden, Jahneal, and Taylor; Brothers Wilfred Bhola (Rena), Kenrick Bhola (Azeezee), Ben Koon Koon; Sisters Yuklin Mahabir Zine, Yuklan Johnson (Wayne), Linda Marclin Figueira, Bernadette Murrel, Bernice Olton, and Brenda Lewis (Noel); Cousins Lucille Samuel-Mohammed and Patricia (Patsy) Bayo. A host of nephews and nieces he loved as his own; Terry, Kert, Gregory, Dawn, Kenrick Jr, Jaime, Janelle, Analisa, David, Leif, Nicolla, Kwynn, Colm, Stefan, Christian, Monique, Alicia, Michelle, Derek, Andrew, Anthony, Jeffrey, JV, and Dominic.  And countless childhood friends all over Trinidad & Tobago, the US, and Canada.