ANTONIO CARMEN ALAMO

June 4, 1941 - Sept. 30, 2025

Tony, as he preferred to be called, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after bravely battling Parkinson's Disease with Lewy Body Dementia for many years. A proud resident of Nevada for 63 years—53 of those in Las Vegas—Tony was born in the small village of Isabela de Sagua, Cuba. At the age of 19, he fled the oppression of the communist regime in search of freedom and opportunity. Risking everything, he escaped on a small vessel and, after three harrowing days at sea, arrived in Miami, Florida, in 1961 with just $7 in his pocket.

Determined to build a better life, Tony took on odd jobs as he made his way west, eventually joining his fiancée Maria's extended family in Reno, Nevada. There, he worked tirelessly to bring Maria from Cuba to the U.S. and she later would become his wife.

Unable to work in the gaming industry until the age of 21, Tony began his career as a hotel janitor. Working at Harrah's Reno, he later became a coin room operator and even delivered newspapers as a second job. Once eligible, he enrolled in dealer school and mastered Craps and Blackjack, thus beginning his journey.

Though times were tough in Reno, new opportunities led Tony, Maria, and their two young children (Tony Jr. and Nancy) to Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world. In 1974, he began his management career as a shift manager at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino.

Thanks to his vision, relentless work ethic, and unwavering dedication, often working swing and graveyard shifts, Tony quickly rose through the ranks. He eventually became President of Circus Circus, a monumental achievement for a Cuban immigrant who had arrived in the U.S. not speaking the language.

Tony's leadership and passion propelled him to even greater heights. He went on to serve as President of the iconic Desert Inn Hotel and Casino and later led the development and opening of what was then the largest hotel in the world—the MGM Grand Hotel and Resort as its President and COO.

Continuing his remarkable career, Tony helped build and operate the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino and later turned his attention to another mega-project: the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He retired in 2005 when the company sold for 7.9 billion dollars. His last role with the company was as Senior Vice President of Mandalay Resort Group, capping off an illustrious 43 year gaming career as one of the highest-ranking Hispanic executives in the gaming industry.

Throughout his life, Tony was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including:

· Distinguished Nevadan, awarded by the Board of Regents

· Hispanic of the Year, Latin Chamber of Commerce

· Tourism Award, Latin Chamber of Commerce

· Hotelier of the Year, Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association

· Community Hero Award, Public Education Foundation

· And perhaps most notably, Tony Alamo Elementary School in Las Vegas was named in his honor.

Beyond gaming, Tony was a lifelong learner and voracious reader with deep interests in finance, investing, real estate and politics. He was also a passionate sports fan, especially boxing and college basketball.

Having fled a totalitarian regime, Tony cherished the freedoms and opportunities of this country. He never hesitated to speak about the value of democracy and remained a vocal advocate for civic engagement.

Tony was preceded in death by his father Juan; mother Consuelo ("Nena"); sister Dulce Maria; brother Juan ("Juanito"); sister-in-law Teresa ("Teresita"); and niece Carmen.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Maria Esther; his son Dr. Tony Alamo Jr. ("Tonito"); daughter-in-law Karen; daughter Nancy; and grandson Tony ("Nene").

Services are scheduled for:

October 18, 2025: 10:00 am

Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church, Alta and Campbell Dr.

Followed by Burial Services at Palm Mortuary Eastern at 11:30am

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested you consider donating to Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health: Website: Https://givenv.ccf.org/InMemoryTonyAlamo

Phone: 702-263-9797

Mail: Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 W Bonneville Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89106 (please indicate donation in memory of Tony Alamo Sr. in memo section of check)