Anthony Henry Johannesmeyer

Anthony (Tony) Johannesmeyer, age 99, of Belleair Bluffs, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his three sons. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran and a true gentleman whose kindness, wisdom, and integrity touched everyone he met.

Tony was born on October 19, 1926, in Westphalia, Missouri, to Anton and Olivia Johannesmeyer. After his mother passed away in 1928, Tony was raised by his father and his Aunt Annie alongside his older sister, Mildred. He attended St. Joseph's Catholic School, where his faith was formed through daily mass and many years of service as an altar boy.

Following his high school graduation in 1943, Tony joined the U.S. Army specialized training reserve program. His military journey took him from South Dakota State College to paratrooper training at Fort Benning, GA, and eventually to communications school for cryptography (protecting data using secret codes). He served with the 11th Airborne Division in Japan and in the Pacific area during the last year of World War II.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, Tony pursued higher education at the University of Missouri, earning a B.S. in Business Administration in 1949. His professional life began that same year when he joined General Electric in Schenectady, New York. However, duty called once more during the Korean War: Tony was recruited to teach cryptography at Ft. Bragg, NC, serving until his second honorable discharge in 1953.

In the mid-1950s, Tony balanced his developing career at G.E. with community leadership in the Catholic Youth League of Schenectady, NY, which involved him performing in some theatrical productions. It was during his time on G.E.'s traveling audit staff that he met a lovely vivacious nurse named Hazel Vivienne Ruggles (Vienne). The two were married on April 7, 1956, and together they raised three sons: Marcus, Scott, and John.

Tony's financial leadership position at G.E. led the family across the country, with stops in Omaha, Kansas City, Boston, Louisville, and Dallas before finally settling in the Clearwater, FL area. Tony continued to serve his community in several capacities, including as a Boy Scouts Cubmaster and on the Town Financial Committee in Needham, MA.

In the early 1980’s, Tony and Vienne divorced, and Tony retired from General Electric. It was during this time that Tony entered a new chapter of his life when he met and began dating Dr. Danusia (Diane) Zeglinski, an intelligent, spirited anesthesiologist who also had three children. They soon fell in love and began a beautiful and loving 35-year relationship together. When Diane retired, Tony and Diane traveled the world, with Tony eventually visiting over 100 countries.

After his General Electric career, Tony partnered with his brother-in-law John Ruggles in several real estate ventures. He managed the financial records and taxes for John’s company and went to the office part-time until he was 92 years old.

Tony was very disciplined about exercise and fitness. He loved to play tennis, especially playing doubles with Diane. During his retirement, he went to the gym regularly to work out. He was still using a treadmill and had a personal trainer in his 90’s.

Tony enjoyed learning about local and world events through a daily reading of the Wall Street Journal and Tampa Bay Times as well as watching PBS News Hour. He loved watching baseball and football games and The Lawrence Welk Show. A continual seeker of knowledge and lifelong learner, he attended classes and workshops to learn new things such as the German language.

Above all, Tony was a man dedicated to his extended family. He took great joy in hosting wonderful family gatherings, trips and cruises in varied locations. As one who greatly valued education and achievement, he generously supported his children’s and grandchildren’s university educations.

Tony was an incredibly driven and disciplined man who left an honorable legacy of personal growth and commitment to learning, cultural curiosity, and extraordinary love of family and country. He taught his family that true wealth is found in kindness, integrity, and standing firm through life's storms.

Tony Johannesmeyer is predeceased by his parents Anton and Olivia, his sister Mildred Schmaltz, his first wife Vienne, and his beloved Diane. He is survived by his sons, Marcus Johannesmeyer, Scott (Wanda) Johannesmeyer, John (Eileen) Johannesmeyer; and his four grandchildren, Krista, Michael, Quinn, and Devin Johannesmeyer.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all of Tony’s caregivers during the past several years.

Memorial services will be held on August 14, 2026 in Clearwater, FL.

Interment in Serenity Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery, Largo, FL.

Online condolences may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com under Anthony Johannesmeyer.