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BORN
1956
DIED
2018
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Anthony DiCenso Obituary
Elberta - Anthony J. DiCenso, aka Tony, 61, was killed Friday, February 16, 2018 while riding his motorcycle in Pensacola. Tony started saving people as a teenaged ocean lifeguard in Seaside Park, NJ; then became the man, the myth, the legend during 28 years serving in the Navy as an AW/SAR Swimmer, "A" School instructor and mentor making his mark on the seawall at NASNI. Serving on many ships and flying countless hours with HS 2,8,10, and 11, he survived several "hard landings" and many very difficult days during his service to this country. He eventually achieved the rank of Master Chief by doing everything the "Tony D" way. He did not stop his ways following those years, continuing to wear out countless motorcycles, becoming even more of an icon in the Pensacola community for his music, his huge heart and constant ability to believe in peoples better selves.
He found a new life in music, through sheer doggedness and the love of the people he found there. They helped bring to light a new chapter in his life which gave him great joy. He was the perfect amount of jerk to be your best friend and a boot in the ass when you needed it.
In addition to his wife Sheryl, Tony is survived by his mother, Helen; his children, Dominic, Anthony and Jessica; his sister, Oley DiCenso and brother-in-law John Czepiel. He was a beloved nephew of Florence and the most amazing cousin and hell raiser to many in Maine.
Once while saving a panicking young girl drowning off the beach in Coronado she asked "Who are you?" He told her "I am Superman". To those that knew Tony D, he was.
All those whose lives Tony touched are invited to attend a Graveside service, Tuesday, February 27, 2018. Meet at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL at 11:30am for a last ride with Tony. The motorcade will be escorted onto NAS Pensacola, Barrancas National Cemetery for a 12:30pm service.
In lieu of flowers consider a contribution to Dogs 4 Warriors, www.dogs4warriors.org. in memory of Anthony DiCenso.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony DiCenso
Sponsored by Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.
JT Milling
February 19, 2025
Never forgotten, brother. Was just speaking about you the other day. The legend lives on. Rest easy on the other side amigo. Cheers!
Maurice Chavarry, Sr.
May 15, 2023
I still think about Tony-D just about everyday. Amazing how one man influenced so many with his work ethic, toughness, charm, and "can-do" attitude. Tony was the beacon many of us young sailors needed back in the day. Fair Winds and Following Seas my NJ brother.
JJ jones SCPO retired USN.
February 23, 2023
Go easy Brother. " Good times at the Shorebird in Hawaii. I'll see Ya" on the other side......Hand Salute."
Mary McNutt
February 27, 2021
Just had the fondest memories of Tony in Coronado and Imperial Beach. He introduced me to my husband and we all had such great times. Drove from Coronado to Pensacola to visit with him. This is sad news.
Barbara Grim
February 20, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mary Tierney
February 17, 2021
Never forgotten... always remembered.
Barbara Grim
April 6, 2020
I remember his memory still and hope he is Resting In Peace and knows how much so many loved him.
Patricia Humphrey ( née McGinnis)
April 1, 2020
Couldnt sleep last night and for some reason I thought of Tony. I read his obituary again, he was such an amazing man in so many ways. I cried again because I thought of the little boy I used to babysit in Lakehurst so many years ago. We lived around the corner from each other back then. After I married we lived right across the street from each other and when my youngest brother Billy would come to visit Lakehurst he and Tony would hang out. My oldest son had his mom Helen for a teacher at my request. He didnt like that as he knew she was a tough teacher and that was why I requested her. When he became an adult he would grudgingly admit shes was tough BUT always fair and she got him to do the work, when others couldnt. So I have some very fond memories of Tony and his family. May he R.I.P. knowing how much he was loved and will be missed.
May 12, 2019
From all the boys on the Bad Brad that served with Tony. You will be missed.
Dave
Barbara
February 18, 2019
Nifty to see Tony in the movie, The Hunt for Red October. Great memories of then and now one year later. Continued comfort for the family, take good care. RIP Tony.
Mary Tierney
February 17, 2019
Loved ones, family, friends, and The Navy family lost a very special person one year ago. I hope you are flying high, Tony. You were one of a kind.
James Milling
February 17, 2019
Hoo Yah Tony! You are surely missed my brother. I'll hoist a wet to your memory today. See you again beyond the reef. Cheers!
Don Steuer
April 23, 2018
You were one of a kind Tony. Fond memories.
March 25, 2018
It is consoling to read all these later entries to the guest book. Thank you for sending. Still missing Tony, a legend. R.I.P. shipmate.
Jeff Crabb Christina Allen
March 20, 2018
We only knew Tony for about 2 years. The day I met him was music practice at a mutual friends house. I knew that day I had gained a brother and friend.
Tony, keep tapping that foot and keep your new band in time. We love and miss you.
Mike Flintjer
March 20, 2018
The day I met Tony, I knew I had just met somebody special. At the time I didn't know how special, or to what degree our friendship would grow. All I knew at the time, was that this guy was going to mean something to me.
Tony took me into his circle, just like most that met and got to know him. He even taught my son how to swim one summer. To this day, Damon still calls him Uncle Tool. There were a couple of times I got to sit with him and talk about things. He didn't talk to me like dadhe talked to me like he was my older brother. An older brother that cared, an older brother that wanted to see me succeed in life. That's how he did things. He could make you see you, for more than what you could see of yourself. He was great at it. Tony was more than just a friend He was one of my familya brother. A brother in arms, and a brother in life.
Fair winds, and following seas, Tony. Rest easy Master Chief. We have the watch.
Steve Kee
March 20, 2018
Tony will probably never know just how much he meant to everyone in the AW community. He will missed, but he will also be remembered in Sea Stories yet to be told for generations of AW's to come. Fair Winds my Friend!
JT Milling
March 20, 2018
Tony how we missed each other all those years in the Navy I'll never know. My memories of you go clear back to Lakehurst growing up less than a block away. We younger kids idolized you and you never lost that legend status. It hurts my heart that we'll not be able to catch up those lost years. Fly high my brother! We were all made better for knowing you. God bless and rest in peace.
Karen and Paul Tantum
March 20, 2018
God asked Tony if he wanted quality or quantity of a life. Tony chose quality. A life was well lived by his rules that many others could not duplicate ever. Love you Tony
Christopher Van Eycken USMC Rescue Swimmer
February 27, 2018
All us swimmers wanted was to save the world, bringing loved ones back home any way possible.
Thank you Tony for your efforts.
Rest In Peace
Semper Fi
Mary Tierney
February 27, 2018
I worked with Tony in Owego, NY, and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. It was always a pleasure being around him. He was a pretty cool guy. My son, Chris, keep in contact with him and really admired Tony. Chris mentioned recently that he is almost finished building a model of Tony's helicopter complete with the correct decals including the one of Tony's name. He will not be forgotten.
RIP Tony.
Butch Wyatt
February 26, 2018
I severed with Tony in HS-8 from 85-89. He was always highly motivated and a great guy. He will be missed.
Josh Shoob
February 26, 2018
Legend is an understatement for this man... Knowing him is and will always be one of the greatest stories of my life. Rest Easy Mr. Tony.
Philip USN
February 26, 2018
May Tony rest in peace. He was a great hero, veteran and leader. God Speed.
Barbara Grim
February 25, 2018
You will be missed by many Tony. May God bless you. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Barbara Grim
February 25, 2018
Having met Tony while on active duty in California long ago it was wonderful to find him again on the internet. I really enjoyed following the past years via FaceBook. Tony's wit and humor were unique and his talents unsurpassed. He will be missed. Tony left us too early.
Marianne Fede Cipolletti
February 25, 2018
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will forever hold Tony and his family among my childhood memories.
Michael Woodward
February 25, 2018
It was my privilege to have been counted among the many you influenced over the years. AW2 Mike Woodward HS-10, HS-6, HS-10 (FRAC Instructor) 1991-2000.
Ron Eberly
February 24, 2018
You were an awesome leader, great friend and an honor to call you brother. You were larger than life and will be greatly missed, RIP Tony! To Tony's family my deepest condolences and prayers.
John Chapates
February 24, 2018
Rest in peace my old childhood friend. It has been over 40 years since we last crossed paths. You truly had a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Donna m Withee/Mount
February 24, 2018
To Tony you sure will be missed by alot ad one person is me one thing we shared a birthday together Dec 10 1956 bwill always post for you Tony you will be missed BBY alot R.I. P. My friend and family Albert S withee 3rd and Donna withee / Mount
Vicki Menard
February 24, 2018
To Tony's loved ones - My heart aches for you. Tony will be missed by all who knew him.
Our Tony...
Tony DiCenso
February 24, 2018
Susan Gibson
February 24, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the family. May God comfort you in your grief and guide you into the sunlight with happy memories.
Steve Shiner
February 24, 2018
Godspeed Tony.
February 24, 2018
I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort and soothed your family in this time of need. Ps. 94:19
J S
February 24, 2018
My condolences tothe DiCenso during your difficult time. I am sure you have wonderful, fun memories of Anthony.
SM Bronx, NY
Mark Jones
February 23, 2018
You will be missed my friend. You were an Icon in the Navy and in life.
C. Kelly Smith
February 23, 2018
I was so heartbroken to learn of Tony's death. He was by all accounts a hero, larger than life, yet I will always think of him as Oley's beloved brother. Sending much, much love to his family, and wishing comfort and solace to everyone who loved him.
Mike Rogers
February 23, 2018
Great Leader Instructor Mentor Actor
Terrence Walker
February 23, 2018
Rest your fins swimmer, we have the plane guard now. Sincere condolences to all the family and friends.
Angela & David Bean
February 23, 2018
Cheryl,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband was a true American hero and I so much regret that I never had the honor to meet him in person.
You and all of Tony's family will be in my prayers as you go through this very difficult time.
Don and Linda Gilbert
February 23, 2018
We are sadden by your loss. May you be comforted by our Heavenly Father in your time time of grief. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy.
Diane Gilbert Ward
February 23, 2018
Sheryl, I am heartbroken for you! I love you. I wish I could have met Tony. He sounds amazing. I am praying for you and his family. All the Gilberts send their love. In lieu of flowers, we will be making a donation as requested.
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