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Anthony “Tony” Sermarini, 65, of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Carolina East Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
A celebration of Tony’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, at Chapel by the Sea in Emerald Isle, officiated by Rev. Clay Olsen. The family will receive friends up to one hour prior to the service, followed by a small reception. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.
Tony was born on January 4, 1960, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Alexander and Marguerite Sermarini. He lived a life rooted in service, loyalty and love. Tony proudly dedicated more than 35 years to civil service, beginning as a welder at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, supporting critical military missions. His work took him to Kings Bay Naval Base, Fort Bragg, and ultimately Fleet Readiness Center East at MCAS Cherry Point, where he retired. After retirement, he continued a lifelong commitment to serving others.
Some people make a community brighter simply by being part of it, and Tony was one of those people. He was known for his kindness, quick humor, and welcoming spirit. A natural leader and mentor, Tony took pride in doing things the right way and giving his very best in all that he did.
Beginning in 2002, Tony proudly served the Emerald Isle community with Emerald Isle EMS. He later became part of the Emerald Isle Fire Department and continued his career of service with the Town of Emerald Isle and throughout Carteret County. No matter the role, Tony cared deeply for the people he served and provided compassionate, dedicated care to everyone he encountered.
Tony found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved relaxing days by the water, fishing and crabbing. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, was a fan of Carolina hockey, and still remained loyal to Philly sports teams. Though his family laughed, he was always on the hunt for another Chevy Astro Van, a pursuit that brought him great joy. Tony also coached numerous sports teams throughout the years, always present and encouraging.
Above all else, Tony loved his family fiercely and cherished time together. They were the center of his world, and his devotion to them shaped the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind. Tony’s impact will be felt for years to come through the lives he touched, the community he served, and the family he loved so deeply.
Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving partner of 21 years, Jeannie Malone of the home; sons, Anthony Sermarini (Kendra) of Columbus, GA, Michael Sermarini (Jessica) of Swansboro, NC, and Christopher Sermarini of Lake Jackson, TX; stepdaughter, April McCombs (Kyle) of Garner, NC, Jacquelynn Russell of Albany, OR, and Stephanie Smith of Raleigh, NC; stepson, Jason Russell (Brittany) of West Bend, WI; parents, Alexander and Marguerite Sermarini of Philadelphia, PA; sister, Debora Baseman (Hal) of Jupiter, FL; brothers, Alexander Sermarini, Andrew Sermarini (Patricia), and Robert Sermarini, all of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughter, Abbie Smith of the home; 17 additional precious grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Emerald Isle Fire Department, 7500 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594, or Chapel by the Sea, 6712 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.
Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.
Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2112 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 28557

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