Anthony V Saputo

Dr. Saputo, 97, passed away peacefully at home November 3rd, with his wife and close friends by his side. He was born November 24, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Sicilian immigrants Geovani and Rose Capriata Saputo. Anthony was destined to be a legal US citizen, as his parents were awarded US citizenship on the same day of his birth. By his teen years, Tony's family had relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where Anthony learned the fine art of street gang warfare. The learning process eventually costing Tony partial loss of a finger.

Having a yearning for larger role in life, and wanting to escape the streets of Chicago, Anthony enlisted in the US Army when he turned 18 years of age. He served 30 years in the Army, participating in 3 different conflicts; WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. After retirement from the Army, he was invited to join the Air Force and serve at the Pentagon. He accepted and spent another 17 years in service to his country. Anthony's military career found him earning 28 medals, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. He also received commendations for his military service from two US Presidents and was inducted into the AZ Veterans Hall of Fame in 2007. While in the Army, Tony earned his High School diploma, Bachelors degree, and a Doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

A lucky Man, Tony was fortunate to meet the lady that eventually stole his heart; Rosemary. These two individuals were inseparable as they shared their talents and zest for life with the community they had chosen for their retirement in AZ. They busied themselves performing magic shows, clown acts, and annually became Santa and Mrs. Claus for the elementary school children of Luke Air Base and Surrounding areas.

While still in the military, Tony was instrumental in establishing and securing funding for an orphanage in South Vietnam to care for the displaced children of the Vietnamese War. Back stateside, he was commissioned to lead a team investigating the feasibility of expanding women's roles in the US Military branches. After several years of Base hopping and analytic analysis he presented his findings personally to the Chief of Staff. The presentation was so thorough and convincing that all military branches changed protocol to admit women as full equals to men.

Tony was a lover of life itself - always quick with a retort or humorous remark. He possessed a generous heart and will be missed by all those fortunate to know him. Ask how he was so successful in his military career, Tony quipped, "I volunteered for anything that was offered"