Anthony F. Crescenzi, a resident of East Syracuse, entered into rest on July 15th, 2011 at the age of 93. He passed away following a short illness after residing in James Square nursing home for nearly five years. Following graduation from St Vincent’s high school Tony attended Niagara University and graduated in 1939. Shortly after graduation he began his career with the Federal government in Ithaca, New York where he was employed by the Ordnance Department. His familiarity with armored vehicles resulted in his assignment to the 14th Armored Division during World War II. The 14th Armored Division was assigned to the 7th and 3rd Armies in the European theater of operations. He was a combat veteran and participated in the Battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen, the Battle of the Bulge and numerous other operations. The 14th armored Division, nicknamed “Liberators”, freed in excess of 200,000 allied prisoners of war and holocaust survivors. Upon returning to civilian life he resumed his career with the Federal government and retired from the Social Security Administration after more than thirty three years of Federal service. He was predeceased by his wife of forty years, the former Lucille Raulli, mother of his four children, his parents Rose Casale and Cesare Crescenzi and his sister Josephine Luton. Tony was a member of the American Legion, enjoyed golf, woodworking and Syracuse University athletics. He was a voracious reader and world traveler, visiting family in Italy on numerous occasions.
He is survived by his second wife of nearly 25 years, the former Beatrice Hemmer Clark of Syracuse. He was a wonderful father to his children, Mrs. Roslyn Adair (Richard) of Albany, NY, Anthony C. Crescenzi (Vicki) of Baldwinsville, NY, Eileen Newton of Liverpool, NY, Mrs. Caralyn Wichers (David) of Ellicott City, Maryland. Also surviving are his sister Adleen Barry of Syracuse, NY, sister-in-law Eileen McMahon of Liverpool, NY, and ten grandchildren: Dr.Jennifer (Bryon Haney), John Anthony and Heather Adair, Alexandra (Eric Gernant) and Anthony Douglas Crescenzi, Karah and Timothy Newton, Elena, Anthony and Jonathan Wichers, great grandson Luke Haney, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Services 10:00 am Tuesday at Gang Memorial Chapel 10:30 am in Blessed Sacrament Church. Entombment in St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Dewitt. Calling hours are Monday 5-8 pm at the funeral home 104 Fordham Rd. at Teall Ave.
Contributions in his honor may be made to the General Scholarship fund of Niagara University. Please send to Niagara University, NU NY, 14109.
