Tony Kretten

In Remembrance
June 11, 1965 - June 27, 2026

Celebration of Life
Friday, July 31, 2026 
2PM-6PM

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.