Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Tony Diotalevi Obituary
Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4, Tony Joseph Diotalevi passed from this life on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Tony was born in Houston, Texas on March 31, 1964. He was raised all over the world in a military family and settled in Friendswood, Texas in 1979.
Tony joined the Army after graduating in 1981 from Friendswood High School and married Cassandra (Cassie) Bell in 1989 while stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He graduated from Flight School in Ft. Rucker, Alabama and received his Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University.
Tony served his country for twenty-four years in the United States Army, including flying helicopter missions all over the world with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, known as the "Night Stalkers", in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, the Army's premier night fighting aviation force. Upon retiring from the military in 2006, he flew helicopters for private organizations in the United States and overseas in Abu Dhabi.
Tony is survived by his wife Cassie, his sons, Vincent of Ft. Carson, Colorado and Derrick of Houston Texas, and his parents, Tony and Benita Diotalevi of Friendswood, Texas, his sisters, Laura Giamfortone, Gina Gomez, and Marisa Diotalevi, his brother-in-law Manuel Gomez, and nieces and nephews, Louisa and Samuel Giamfortone, Victoria, Emily, Elaine and Matthew Gomez, and Ella Ezelle-Diotalevi.
Tony is a hero
to all of us.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 Broadway, Pearland, Texas. The Rosary will follow at 7:00pm.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 10:30am and a reception to follow at Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood, Texas, 606 Cedarwood Drive.
The interment will be at the Houston National Cemetery on Monday, October 28, at 12:30, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Steve Orr
March 4, 2014
I met Tony working at the local Safeway store in Friendswood and we became best friends throughout high school. I saw him again after my Army tour at Christmas during the mid 90's. It was just like the old days, we just picked up where we left off. Tony was funny, smart, a fearless friend.
Greg James
February 28, 2014
So sorry to hear about Tony's accident. He is the kind of guy who always brightens a room with his presence. I look forward to seeing him again, on the other side.
Ali Alshammari
January 22, 2014
Rest in peace
You were my brother in arm. We work in iraq he teach me beautiful thing like his soul he was good too all the staff Our prayers to your family
Dear brother and friend
November 26, 2013
Tony and I (the other Tony D) were stick buddies during flight school. We were best friends. I will miss him! God Bless Cassie. Tony D
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Clayton Strahan
November 8, 2013
See you on the other side Tony! Tell my Wife and brother hello for me and I miss them both, thanks for being you, a good friend, and a good man, and thanks for your service.
Lauren Diotalevi
November 1, 2013
I regret never having met Tony in person and I am truly sorry for your loss.
Kelvin Holt
October 31, 2013
This loss is still sinking in. I still remember those early A-model Apache days in 1-5 Aviation where you went shirtless and donned a headdress to play the consummate Apache Warrior. Rest in Peace Tony,
marcy wilson
October 30, 2013
Sending my love and prayers to your family
Marcy Wilson
October 30, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
Jaime Yepes
October 28, 2013
Cassie our blessing and thoughts are with. Tony will be misssed and he will always be the "Sapo", a great man....
October 25, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers to the Diotalevi family. May Tony rest in eternal peace.
The Grady's
Steve, Julie & Natalie
Heinz Roy
October 24, 2013
Good bye brother. Thanks for your service. Hope you are still flying high! Until we meet again! God speed Tony!
Doug Miller
October 24, 2013
My heart goes out to the entire family. My prayers are with you all. Much, much love.
Taken at Ft Rucker Al. 1990
Doug and Julie Gabrielli
October 24, 2013
Cassie, Vincent, and Derrick. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Tony will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with you.
Graduated flight school with Tony June, 22 1990 Ft Rucker Al.
Natalie Everett
October 23, 2013
Tony, I can only imagine how loudly the trumpets played while God lovingly embraced you with full honors into his Kingdom. October 15, 2013, will forever be your heavenly birthday. You went through your life quietly leaving imprints on the hearts of those whose lives you touched with your fierce loyalty to love and sincere, genuine friendships that lasted a lifetime. For those who have not yet lost, they will soon find out, although your soul has departed earth, your spirit will visit, for when you quietly left those imprints on the many, many hearts you touched along the way, they will feel your warmth and presence with beautifully cherished memories.
John Albers
October 23, 2013
To the whole Diotalevi Family,
It was my honor to know Tony as a friend and fellow soldier. His sense of humor made the worst day better and his professionalism made flying with him a joy. God bless you and keep you through this difficult time. You are all in our prayers.
John Albers and family
NSDQ
Jack Lewis
October 23, 2013
WORDS CANNOT CONVEY OUR SORROW AT YOUR LOSS, CW3 USA ret.and family (Dawn & Mara)
October 23, 2013
So sorry for your loss. We have such fond memories of Tony from our time together Abu Dhabi.
Jack and Joan McGuinness
St. Petersburg, FL
Byron Edmonds
October 23, 2013
Cassie,
There are no words that can ease the pain of the loss you have suffered. I will always remember the good times Tony and I had, both flying and on the ground. You and your family will be in our prayers.
G.Gordon
Tom & Donna LaPlaca
October 23, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Donna and I loved Tony. You are in our prayers.
October 23, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Some of the best times were flying with Tony over in Korea. He will be missed. NSDQ!!
Melissa Patrick
October 23, 2013
I knew Tony from Friendswood. We met working together at the local grocery store during our high school years and quickly became good friends. He was always happy, flashing that wonderful smile, and sincerely liked by all. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. Tony was an incredible guy and friend to many. He will be missed.
Crystal Fakier-Enagonio
October 23, 2013
Prayers for your family.
Joe Douglas
October 23, 2013
Tony will be missed by all. What a great American! The family will be in our prayers. Brenda and I will always have our memories of your family close. May God bless you and hope time will be on your side for this heartfelt loss. NSDQ
Tonya Sullivan
October 23, 2013
You had nothing else to prove. Your job was complete and you did it with style. We will carry the torch for you and hope we make you proud. Your example is set and we will follow your footsteps. Love to you and your family. God Bless with pride!
This is me and my mini me (Austin)!
Eric Johnson
October 23, 2013
I met Tony at Friendswood High School and we shared some of the same interest (friends). The night before Tony went to army boot camp we pulled an all nighter. I remember him doing sit-ups with his gravity boots religiously and barking soldier commands to himself. That humor & laugh didn't surprise me but that he had a true plan for his life at eighteen did. I turn to the Lord our God after a painful divorce five years ago. Tragedy will bring you closer or push you further away from God. I pray Tony's passing will pull us all closer to our God. Love you Dude!
Geoff, Magalie, Amanda & Sarah Turnbull Turnbull
October 23, 2013
We will miss Tony's vivacious and sparkling character - always so full of life... A tremendous friend to all and an incredibly humble man. All our support to you Cassie in this unbelievably difficult time. We share in the sorrow of all the people who loved Tony so much. He will greatly be missed in a world which craves for souls like his. He will always be with you Cassie. Our deepest sympathy to Tony's parents and loving children in this the most difficult of times.
Glenn and Faye Elkins
October 23, 2013
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family. We appreciate all Tony did to serve our Country. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry & Linda Boes
October 23, 2013
In our thoughts and prayers as your entire family heals for such a tremendous loss. We became fast friends, his smile was contagious
Love
Chuck Gehring
October 23, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Tony was an incredible friend, Officer, and Pilot. Some of my best times were flying with Tony, He will be missed.
Lyn Skibell
October 23, 2013
Marisa,
Prayers for you , your family and your Super Hero Brother. Very sad to hear of this loss. Love, Lyn
October 23, 2013
Tony will be greatly missed. We all loved him so much, our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Rebecca and Doug Ehrle
Denise Schnitzer
October 23, 2013
Rest in peace, Tony.
Edi Eusebi
October 23, 2013
From all of us in Italy deepest condolences for the sudden death of Tony. We are close in pain, a big hug.
Families Nino, Rita and Edi Eusebi.
Da tutti noi in Italia le più sentite condoglianze per la improvvisa scomparsa di Tony. Vi siamo vicini nel dolore , un forte abbraccio.
Famiglie Nino, Rita e Edi Eusebi
Leslie & Tim Lousma
October 22, 2013
Our prayers are with your family. Thank you for all the years of service to your country and thereafter.
Valarie Taylor
October 22, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. May all of your wonderful memories help you during this very difficult time. RIP Tony...you were taken way too soon :( You are all in my prayers!
Ivan and Brenda Murdock
October 22, 2013
Sorry for your loss!! -
Tim & Delia Marcum
October 22, 2013
So very sorry for your loss of Tony. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Donald & Bette Abare
October 22, 2013
Our sincere condolences go out to the Diotalevi family.
Mike McLaughlin
October 22, 2013
Cassie,Vince,Derrick, and the Diotalevi Family..we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Tony was a great man, admired by many. I am glad that we had the chance to meet...our memories of him will carry on amongst the Margaret's Walk Crew.
Tony, Rest In Peace My Friend!
Mike and Maggie McLaughlin
Goat & Deni Schuck
October 22, 2013
Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Tony will always be remembered and was truly a hero and great friend to many. May God bless you all!
Karen Taylor
October 22, 2013
Your special memories help you cope with the lose. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Douglas Ehrle
October 22, 2013
Rest in Peace my friend, your family will be well looked after! You are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Buddy & Carolyn Smith
October 22, 2013
Another Angel at the Alter of The Son. Words fall short of expressing our sorrow. I know we never lose who we love, they live in the rest of our lives with us in our heart. Tony has and will always be in our heart. Our heart goes out to you and the family during this difficult loss.
Love You
Buddy & Carolyn
Jamie, James
Debbie Williams
October 22, 2013
Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you during this time of sorrow. God bless you and your family.
Blake Dunn
October 22, 2013
To the Diotalevi Family:
Death brings pain that only time can heal,
no words can ease what we truly feel,
but with God, his joy is eternally sealed,
& cherish his memories that death cant even steal.
Lift up a smile for he is already in paradise.
my deepest condolences to your family.
Tony was a great man & He had a great life. His spirit remains in the heart of so many people, he'll never be gone.
I love ya'll.
Mary Rose
October 21, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Kelvin Holt
October 21, 2013
To Cassandra, Vince, Derrick and the entire Diotalevi Family, we are so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Tony and I served together at Fort Polk/Fort Hood. He was a great guy and he will be missed.
Godspeed. You are in our prayers.
CW4 Kelvin L. Holt, retired
Cassandra Holt
Heidi Williams
October 21, 2013
Thinking of you all in this time of sadness.
Angela CASEY
October 21, 2013
Tony and Bonita and family Iam so sorry for your loss. I have notseen Tony since he was a little boy but what a nice looking man please except our sympathy love Jerry Angela
Phil Adams
October 21, 2013
My deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of the family. Tony is such a dear friend and Hero. I will always cherish the wonderful times we flew together and times we shared. I look forward to meeting all of you this weekend to share what a great man you shared with this world. I wish it was under any deifferent occasion. May God wrap his arms around all of you
October 21, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Mere words cannot accurately express the pain. We hope and pray you can be comforted somehow.
Kim and Bill Gray
October 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the family of friends he left behind.
Melissa D'Arbonne
October 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Tony. What a great person, wife and father he turned out to be. But it does not surprise me, he was a very nice guy in High School as well. God Bless, and may the wonderful memories that you have of him get you through this tough time.
Missy (Gutierrez) D'Arbonne
Class of '82
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
2422 East Broadway Street, Pearland, TX 77581
Make a Donation
in Tony Diotalevi's name
How to support Tony's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tony Diotalevi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
