Anthony Allen Volponi

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col., Anthony Allen Volponi, “Tony,” of Sarasota, FL formerly of Conway, PA and graduate of Rochester High School and the University of Pennsylvania, passed away at the age of 78 on April 30th. Anthony was preceded in death by his son, Anthony Allen, Jr., sister Phyllis Butts, and parents, Andy and Virginia Volponi. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of nearly 59 years, Charlene Ann Iovine Volponi of Sarasota, FL, children Laura Torrence of Sarasota, FL, Catherine Volponi of Verona, PA, Karen Dighton and her husband Tim of Deerfield Beach, FL, Charles Volponi of Ladson, SC, grandchildren Cpt. Jason Dighton U.S. Army of Fort Riley, KS, Anthony Torrence of Sarasota, FL, Lt. Jake Dighton U.S. Navy HSC-25 Guam, Jennifer Torrence of Goodlettsville, TN, Lisa Torrence of Winter Park, FL, and Daniel Torrence of Sarasota, FL, as well as siblings Andrew Volponi of Medford, NJ and Virginia Volponi of Sewickley, PA. Anthony was a passionate man that dearly loved God, his family and his country. He was a devout Christian and member of Covenant Life Church of Sarasota where he and Charlene enjoyed a special and fulfilling fellowship with other believers. He was a devoted family man that was deeply cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, and other family members. A decorated Vietnam Veteran, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 20 years. Throughout his life, Anthony exhibited the qualities of a true leader and genuine role model, making him an inspiration to those who knew him. He was a man of integrity. He was tough, courageous, thoughtful, optimistic, respectful, loving, devoted, and humorous. His warm, genuine character was apparent and he touched many lives over the years. He was a hero to his family and the men he served with and will be deeply missed by all; but as he would have said, “Keep your head up, fight on and never give in!” The family is comforted knowing that God blessed them with one of his very best men and that their rock and biggest fan has now gained his highest honor … heavenly wings. Viewings will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 at Covenant Life Church, 8490 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Covenant Life Church at 10:30 AM. Anthony will be interred at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Anthony’s memory be made to a U.S. military charity in support of our troops and their families.

Arrangements under the direction of Wiegand Brothers Funeral Home, Sarasota, FL.