Lt.Col. Ernest ("Tony") Frank Peluso

Tony was born on July 16, 1947, in Etna, Pennsylvania, to Josephine Agnes (Lupinacci) Peluso and Ernest Cecil Peluso. He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where he graduated from Brophy College Preparatory. He later volunteered for the United States Army and proudly served as an enlisted paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. His experiences during the Vietnam War shaped the course of his life and inspired a lifelong commitment to service.

After returning home, Tony earned his degree in history with distinction from Arizona State University before receiving his law degree and passing the Texas Bar Exam. He was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1975 and served an additional 17 years on active duty, including assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps. He retired from military service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992.

Following his military career, Tony accepted an appointment as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa. During more than fourteen years as a federal prosecutor, he earned the respect of colleagues and the law enforcement community through his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to justice. After retiring from the Department of Justice, he continued representing law enforcement officers in federal and state courts. Tony was also an accomplished author whose novels reflected his deep appreciation for military history and the sacrifices of those who served.

Above all, Tony’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Peluso (McCoy); his children, Tony Peluso (Kristle), Andy Peluso (Katie), Julie Quinn (Dac Nelson), and Kristina Boyce (Rob); his cherished grandchildren, Brady Peluso, Clara Peluso, Caroline Peluso, Charley Peluso, Sigourney Nelson, Katie Boyce, and Rachel Boyce; his sisters, Carol Jontry and Boni Peluso; and his mother-in-law, Lynette McCoy (Crosby). He is also survived by extended family members from both the Peluso and Lupinacci families, as well as many dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 10, 2026, with visitation beginning at 9:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered during the 1:30 pm committal service.

Donations in Tony's honor may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.