Anthony S. Guarisco, Jr.

Anthony Sebastian Guarisco Jr., born on December 10, 1943, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, following a decline in health due to heart and lung issues. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Penn Guarisco, and is survived by his children, Crystal Murphy and Donald Guarisco, as well as his grandchildren, Ryan and Keegan Murphy. He is also survived by his dear sister-in-law Debra Penn, nieces and nephews Erin (Matt) Penn Harris, Daniel Casey (Sanja) Penn, Charla Penn and Don (Madlen) Penn.

A native of Tampa, Florida, he played college football and graduated from the University of Tampa. Anthony developed an early passion for the law. He earned his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law, then began his career with the Leon County State Attorney’s Office in 1971. Over the years, he served under distinguished State Attorneys the Honorable Harry Morrison, Judge E.J. Salcines in Hillsborough County, and the Honorable Willie Meggs for his final two decades as a prosecutor in Tallahassee. In 2021, the Florida Bar recognized Anthony’s fifty years of active licensure—a milestone reflecting his long standing dedication to the legal profession.

Anthony’s name appeared regularly in newspapers, magazines, and local broadcasts due to his involvement in high-profile cases. His career included trials of some of Florida’s—and the nation’s—most notorious murderers, including John Spenkelink, Theodore Robert Bundy’s final clemency hearing, Joe Elton Nixon, and John William (Billy) Ferry. One case that drew international attention was the Monticello rest stop shooting of two British tourists, where Margaret Jaggers survived, but Gary Colley did not. Anthony’s determination to seek justice for both victims led to a lifelong friendship with Ms. Jaggers. Colleagues and friends remember him for his exceptional legal research, unwavering integrity, and eagerness to mentor young attorneys.

Tony’s role in the Spenkelink trial was chronicled in the book Among the Lowest of the Dead by David Von Drehle, and he was amused by a mention in a true crime magazine. Among his professional honors, Anthony received the prestigious Eugene Berry Award from the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys' Association—an achievement he viewed as a crowning moment of his distinguished career.

Despite these professional milestones, what friends and family most recall is Anthony’s dedication as a husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones, and his defining trait was the profound love he shared with his wife, Linda. She was his partner, confidante, best friend, jury consultant, and traveling companion. Her passing in 2008 left a void that he could never fill. Crystal, Don, and the extended family find peace knowing that Anthony and Linda are reunited.

Tony was also an avid animal lover; many of his cherished pets were rescues that brought him constant joy. In place of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tallahassee Big Dog Rescue, P.O. Box 15571, Tallahassee, Florida 32317, bigdogrescue.com —or consider adopting a rescue animal in his honor. A memorial service and reception will be held on Thursday, January 30th at 2:00 p.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home 700 Timberlane Rd, Tallahassee, Fl. 32312 to celebrate Anthony’s life and accomplishments.