Antonio "Tony" Piracci

Antonio Piracci Obituary

Lt. Col. A.F. Piracci, USMC Ret. CARLSBAD -- Antonio "Tony" Piracci passed away Tuesday, September 14, 2010 after a long illness. Born in Vieste, Italy in April of 1933, he was a resident of Carlsbad for 30 years. Beloved husband of Barbara. Proud father of son, Frank (Cindy) Piracci of Valley Center, Calif., Proud father of daughter, Mary (John Viegas) of Orland, Calif. Proud father of son, Tom (Kim) Piracci of Oregon. Deeply loved grandchildren, Ashley and Justin Viegas. Survived by brother, Sante (Antonella) Piracci, Vieste, Italy; nephew, Iggy (Debra) Ruggieri of New Jersey; nephew, Michael (Kim) Piracci, North Carolina; nephew, Bill (Suryana) Piracci of Singapore. Survived by niece, JoAnne (Michael) Richardson, New York; nieces, Cathy and Maria of Vieste, Italy; Sister-in-law, Colletta Hammond of Virginia; Brothers-in-law, Richard Hammond, North Carolina and Jim (Ellen) Hammond of Ohio; nieces and nephews, Bob, Tom, Susan, Debra, Mike and Crissy. Tony grew up in New Rochelle, New York and graduated from Iona Preparatory in 1952. He graduated from St. Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1957 with degrees in Commerce and Economics. He joined the Marine Corps in 1957 and attended Officer's Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. He served as an unarmed advisor in Vietnam in 1961. 1966-1967 found him in the middle of fierce battle in Vietnam as the Communications and Electronics Officer. He served his country proudly until retirement in 1978. Always wanting to give his children the spirit of adventure, Tony and family spent a tour of duty in Morocco, Africa. He instilled in his children respect for people of all cultures. His first and foremost love was travel. Tony and Barbara traveled much of the world during his service career and after in retirement. Tony was a member of The American Legion, Veteran's of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, Navy Relief Society and the Knights of Columbus. A man whose life was guided by his faith in God. An unselfish man who was devoted to his family. A man who had many, many friends. A devote parishioner of St. Elizabeth Seton, Carlsbad. Tony will be missed but never forgotten by all who loved him. SEMPER FI Services will be at 11 am, Friday, October 1st, at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 6628 Santa Isabel St., Carlsbad, Calif. 92009. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The American Lung Association. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

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Published by North County Times from Sep. 21 to Sep. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Antonio Piracci

4 Entries

October 4, 2010

Tony and I served together in Vietnam in 1966. Sincere condolences to wife and family.....Bill Cerny, USMC Ret.

Robin Cobble

October 3, 2010

Barbara - so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Julia and I remember you all from when you left Morocco and we arrived. Your help to us in getting settled was of great value. It turned out to be a great tour for us and we left Morocco with a new little daughter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rob and Julia Cobble

September 26, 2010

Tony, We think of you up inHeaven sitting at the bridge table. Do they know what a "formidable" force you are? So many memories starting with your wonderful stories when you came to America as a child your college "Masses". So many fun times, the Marine Corps Birthday Balls, the races, Super Bowl at the "Piracci Dome" (didn't Frank always win?), our cruises together (why didn't I buy that chocolate cake the 1st day; you too as you loved chocolate cake) and so many bridge parties, plus that fabulous 50th Anniversary Bash. What I loved about you was your eternal optimism and the wonderful hugs you gave. In spite of the many obstacles when I think of you I think "A Life Well Lived". A wonderful, loving family, so many friends and great faith in abundance. We shall miss you our friend. Love, Bill and Pat

Steve Lees

September 26, 2010

I met Tony's son, Frank, over twenty-five years ago, when he was a young kid, fresh out of college. He was the co-worker of a friend and we all shared a common hobbie, windsurfing. I met Tony and his wife, Barbara during that time. I was in my late thirties, back then. They were nice people. But, I judge a man by his kids. And the reason I know that he was more than just a "nice" man, is the quality of his son, Frank, who was bright, kind and a considerate young man. A rare commodity in this day and age. He was and I'm sure still is a quality person. Tony's influence lives on in his children, and in their children. You were a "great" man, Tony. Good luck on your journey.

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