Anthony “Tony” Collins Leever, Age 41, of New Port Richey, Florida, was taken from us unexpectedly in a repelling accident on January 16^th 2026 in New Port Richey, Florida.

Anthony was born June 25^th, 1984 in Erie Pennsylvania, the son of Anna Giordano and Victor Leever.

Anthony graduated from Palm Harbor University High School in 2002, then went on to USF and St. Petersburg College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Environmental Sustainability.

He met his wife Jennifer Sandlin in 2011, and they were married on February 1^st, 2018.

Anthony and Jennifer had a dog and two cats together, Finnegan, Oliver, and Carlton.

Anthony worked as a Park Ranger at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, starting in February of 2024. Prior to Starkey Park, he worked at local restaurants, where he made many of his closest friends.

Anthony was a fearless adventurer, caver, and lover of the outdoors who wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by nature and those he loved. He was a talented musician, who especially loved playing guitar and ukulele. He loved a variety of music, namely Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, Keller Williams, Jack Johnson, and recently, Billy Joel.

He was kind, passionate, funny, thoughtful, determined, and smart as a whip.

He relished pushing himself, always wanting to learn more, research all options, and weighing decisions. If it was something he loved, he was fully invested in it. From caving, music, cooking, whatever the topic was, Anthony immersed himself in learning all he could about it.

Anthony spent much of his life sharing his love and knowledge with those around him, he showed his care for others in how he could help them, from building fires while camping, to researching the right vitamins for someone, to taking months leading up to Christmas finding the perfect Tiffany lamp, he showed his love through his actions, even if he couldn’t always find the words.

He was the treasurer for the Tampa Bay Grotto, where he made so many incredible friends and memories through caving, his favorite hobby. Anthony spent much of his time practicing his caving skills and making plans for new adventures with his fellow cavers whenever he could.

When he wasn’t working or caving, Anthony loved to travel and explore. He loved experiencing everything he could; from local parks, antique shops, museums, new restaurants’, cruises, swimming with dolphins, to climbing a volcano, he did it all.

He loved spending time with his wonderful mother and sister, along with his nephews and niece, always looking for opportunities to take the boys camping and hiking, or teaching them about plants, animals, or caving. He loved nothing more than to be around his family and would light up whenever they were around.

Anthony was loved dearly by many people; he made friends for life and would do anything for those he cared about. He will be missed incredibly by all those around him who loved him.

Anthony is survived by his wife Jennifer, his mother Anna, his Aunt Gina, his Uncle Mike, his uncle Tony, his sister Rachael, his in-laws, Ron, Wanda, Andrew, and Jason, his nephews Blaze and Atlas, and niece Isla.

He is reunited with his Uncle Louie, brother Jason, and brother-in-law, Blair.

His Service will be held at Thomas Dobies Funeral Home at 8825 Old County Road 54 on January 27^th, 2026. The viewing will be from 4 – 6 PM and the Service will begin at 6 PM.

Anthony loved all things nature, so plants and flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations to The Humane Society, The National Parks Conservation Association, The National Speleological Society, or support to his beloved nephews and niece are welcome.