Tony Kretten
In Remembrance
June 11, 1965 - June 27, 2026
Celebration of Life
Friday, July 31, 2026
2PM-6PM
Sparrow Funeral Home
161 Driggs Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Attire: Colorful, celebratory and something Tony would love
RSVP : Kindly RSVP here by Friday, July 24th, so that we may comfortably prepare the space.
A live stream will be available for those who are not able to attend in person. RSVP at link above to receive the link.
Obituary
On June 27, 2026, our beloved Tony Kretten passed away following complications from liver disease, leaving an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Tony was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to his parents, Nicholas Anthony Kretten Jr. and Elaine Carol Sturr Kretten. He is survived by his wife and soulmate, Jemmalyn Santos-Kretten, and his twin children, Amina and Lukas. He is also survived by his siblings, Jeanne Benoit and Kurt Kretten. He will be remembered by his family for his vibrant spirit and his unwavering commitment to those he held closest.
To the world, Tony was a creative force. He was a visionary in fashion, a passionate curator of deep house music through deepaGROOVES, and an artist who bridged the worlds of design and music. His journey was defined by a fierce determination to create his own path. He graduated from Harvard University in 1987, where he studied international relations and divinity while playing football for the Crimson. He later went on to the Art Institute of Chicago, where he honed his craft in fine art and garment design and construction. This was the beginning of a storied career that saw him launch his own menswear line and shape the direction of iconic brands including Guess, Express Men, Gap, and JackThreads.
But beyond his resume, Tony’s true gift was his ability to bring people together. Whether through a fashion project, a music event, or a simple conversation, he made everyone he encountered feel seen, valued, and connected. His legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and the power of community.
Memories
I traveled the world with Tony...
I traveled the world with Tony when we both worked at the GAP and later at Jack Threads; developing great product that made us both proud. We also both started our families around the same time and would often talk about our kids with pride. He was not only focused with making great product, but also making meaningful connections with people where ever we. traveled. He was a great designer and even better friend. I am very grateful to have had the chance to work with. him.
I have known Tony for over...
I have known Tony for over 20 years , Worked together during his time at Gap and shared many wonderful memories both at work and outside.
Dear Jemmalyn
I was deeply saddened to hear about Tony’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will always cherish the wonderful memories we shared over the past 20 years. May God grant you and your family strength ,comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy. Azeem
Tony was an absolute gift for...
Tony was an absolute gift for us to work with while at Gap 😎 His kindness and love of creative people was infectious and kept our design team motivated and going in a very positive direction. Tony always rose to the occasion, sifting through the politics of working at a large corporation, so that the creatives on the Men’s design team could put forward their best efforts.
DeepaGrooves was the very essence of Tony, as well 😘
So happy that Jemalynn and Tony’s beloved kids had so many special years together, if sadly, not quite enough of them …
Sending love & light, sweet friend 🕊️
I am still recovering the shock...
I am still recovering the shock that brother Tony has left us so soon. So sad. There is a saying that “the good die soon” and how true this is.
Tony was my brother from another mother. I got to know brother Tony through work. The work friendship became a brotherhood as Tony had a heart of Gold. Amazing human being whom I have ever met.
Tony and I created some is the most wonderful garments which became best sellers. We worked together for over 20 years handling Structure, Express Men’s and Gap Men’s orders.
Tony loved visiting Sri Lanka and he always said he wants to retire in his second home Sri Lanka. Life is so uncertain and at a time we least expected brother Tony was taken from us for good.
Let me take this opportunity to wish my dear brother Tony eternal peace and happiness and thank you so much for been such a caring amazing brother to me.
Will miss you so much!!!!
Jemm, Amina and Lukus be strong !!!!!
Tony and I met at Harvard....
Tony and I met at Harvard. He always had a special energy and depth. We lived together after college and shared a small apartment along with Michael Schwartz. It was a great time in my life- going out in Boston- Champions sports bar, etc. Tony was a great dancer and very entertaining and energetic! He was just starting his career in fashion. We both loved art and would chat at night. I’ll miss u my friend ❤️
Tony was great person and a...
Tony was great person and a very dear denim fraternity friend. Really shocked and saddened by his so early departure! May his soul rest in peace.
Tony was a true icon, a...
Tony was a true icon, a work inspiration to me, a friend and a real honor for anyone who knew him. Such a light, an intelligent, spirited and awesome guy. We spent hours dancing the days away to house music…will forever be missed.
Tony knew my uncle from Cinti....
Tony knew my uncle from Cinti. When I moved to NYC my uncle told me to call Tony. I thought he was going to be some old garmento guy from NYC. I never called. Fortunately, we both ended up at Express and didn’t realize the Cinti connect until we were in Columbus Ohio having meetings. We ended driving down to Cinti and became fast friends for years. We worked and danced together. He had a huge heart and was a true friend. More stories to share in NYC.
I am so sorry to hear...
I am so sorry to hear that but I believe that, but I truly believe he is at peace.
Whenever I visited their home because...
Whenever I visited their home because my mom helped care for their twins, Tony was always kind and had a very calming demeanor. Our conversations were not as long as when I talk to Jem, but his actions towards how he treated people, showed a lot of what kind of person he is. He (and Jem) treated my mom and I like family and were the reasons why I was encouraged to explore and pursue my creative side, photography. He was also very kind to take time to help me with a project in one of my classes back in college (he didnt need to do that, but he did). Tony though he may not have said a lot around me, he showed and given my mom and I encouragement, support and kindness in many different ways. He is surely missed but thankful that I got to know him and witness the kindness, love and respect he shared to everyone.
Safe journey, my fried
Safe journey, my fried