Anthony Paul Dzierski

Was born on October 21, 1924 and departed this life on February 15, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Dzierski and son William White. He is survived by devoted and beloved son Paul Dzierski; daughter-in-law, JoAnne Dzierski; and three grandchildren, Lauren and Matthew Dzierski, and Allison White Tasane. Tony was a lifelong servant of God, Country and Family. In his 30 years with USAF, he served in three wars, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Having been the first in his high school class to join the military in 1943, at the age of 20 he flew 16 combat missions over Japan, later dropping aid over the resulting military prison camps and ultimately flying over the signing of the official surrender by the Japanese in 1945. Tony made history in 1957 as a member of the team which circumnavigated the globe in three B-52 bombers, charting the course for the lead plane traveling over 24,000 miles nonstop . He has countless military honors and awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, and many more. His devotion to his military brethren continued to the day he died. He was an active, 35 year member of the American Legion Post 176 and was Post Commander for 2 years. He was also Commander of American Legion 17th District, a member of VFW Post 7327 as well as The Forty and Eight. He served God in word and deed. Tony was a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, an usher and member of Saint Bernadette church in Springfield and chief usher at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC for nearly 30 years. In keeping with his faith and love of fellow man, he has donated over 350 units of platelets and gallons of blood. Tony’s love and loyalty to family is evident in those who survive him. He joyfully attended the countless swim meets, hockey and football games of his grandchildren and found great joy in those sporting events. He was known fondly to their coaches and teammates and his presence will surely be missed. On October 21, 2014, the Springfield District and greater Fairfax County Board of Supervisors declared it Tony Dzierski Day, in honor of his 90th birthday. We hope that all who knew and loved him will join us to celebrate his life. Viewings will be held at the Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA on Friday, February 22nd from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ceremonies by the Knights of Columbus and the Springfield American Legion and VFW will take place at the evening viewing. Funeral Mass will take place at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA on Saturday, February 23rd at 11 a.m. A burial with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery as well as a corresponding Mass at the Ft. Myer chapel will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that any donations be made in Tony’s honor to Honor Flight, Top of Virginia. Honor Flight organizations fly and/or transport WWII Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII Memorial at no cost to the Veteran.https://www.honorflight-tov.org/. Thank you.