Mr. Anthony Autorino

Anthony Autorino Jr. (Tony), 97, of Port St. Lucie, FL, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2022. Tony was born on December 4, 1925 in Brooklyn, New York to Anthony Autorino and Florence Moscarello Autorino. The oldest of five siblings and a first generation American, Tony lived the American dream. He had many fond memories of childhood adventures with his brother Michael and sisters Joan, Rose and Marie all who remained close throughout their lives. All who knew him would attest, Tony had a bold spirit and endless energy. He was always on the go!

Tony is truly a member of, ‘The Greatest Generation.’ On December 4, 1942, Tony enlisted in the United States Navy and served through 1945. On December 3, 1944, while on duty aboard the USS Cooper (DD695), his ship was torpedoed and sunk in Ormoc Bay. The ship broke in-two and sunk with 191 crewmates in 60 seconds. Proximity of Japanese forces precluded immediate rescue of the survivors. 168 (including Tony) spent 14-hours in Ormoc Bay prior to their rescue.

Upon return from service, Tony returned home, started a business, met and married his wife, Nancy LiCausi on, April 17, 1949. Tony and Nancy relocated to South Florida in 1970 while building their family. His surviving children are John Autorino of, Port St. Lucie, FL; Laura Autorino Cleaver of, Winter Springs, FL; and Frank Autorino of, Miami, FL.

In September 1949, Tony embarked upon a career in the propane gas industry that would span nearly 70-years. Tony was known throughout the industry as THE subject matter expert in the field. Tony served the industry as a manager, teacher, consultant, and technical expert in all matters involving propane and was installed into the, FPGA Hall of Fame and awarded its highest honor of, ‘Lifetime Achievement Award,’ in 2014.

Tony and Nancy resided in Miami, FL for many years forging numerous close friendships along the way. To know Tony was to know you had a friend for life! Tony and Nancy relocated to Port St. Lucie, FL in 1993 and began an active retirement.

Tony lost Nancy in 1994 due to sudden heart failure and thereafter met Dolores Kennedy. Tony and Dolores were a couple for 28-years and were very active with family and friends, they traveled extensively and enjoyed life. God blessed Tony and Dolores with good health throughout their lives together and he was survived by her at his death. Tony and Dolores were active Catholics and were members of, St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

Tony’s family grew and flourished throughout the years and he is survived by his three children, their spouses, Christine, Michael, and Vicki, as well as; 6-grandchildren, John Michael, Jennifer, Ashley, Andrew, Kaci, and Anthony. Tony is also survived by 5-great grandchildren who all loved their ‘Great Papa’ including: Annabelle, Elana, Logan, Liam and Kaleb.

A visitation for Anthony will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Aycock Funeral Home, 1504 Southeast Floresta Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. A funeral mass will occur Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St Bernadette Catholic Church, 350 NW California Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34986.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.aycockportstlucie.com for the Autorino family.