Anthony Stagliano, a compassionate, caring, loving father, and WWII Navy Veteran, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 20, 2018 with his loving son by his side. He celebrated his 96th birthday on February 8th with his son, daughter, and granddaughter.
Anthony was born February 8, 1922, in Rome, New York to the late Nicola and Philomenia Copacasale Stagliano, and lived his entire life in Rome. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in June 1940. Anthony joined the Civil Conservation Corp and later enlisted in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to the late Carmella “Molly” Malvaso, on February 23, 1946, a loving bond of 61 years. She predeceased him on June 20, 2008. He retired from the Rome Developmental Center in 1987. Prior to his retirement, Anthony worked thirty-one years for the former White Laundry, leaving when urban renewal dictated its closing.
Anthony proudly and selfishly served his country in the United States Navy from October 14, 1942 until his Honorable discharge on December 12, 1945. As a radarman, first class, V-6 aboard the USS Destroyer, Renshaw DD 499, Anthony and his shipmates participated in some of the most significant battles and campaigns, including the Marianas and Soloman Islands, Philippines and Lyete Gulf. Anthony earned, under fire, WW II Victory Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal with 8 stars, Combat Action Ribbon Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 9 bronze stars, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, American Campaign Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin (Ruptured Duck).
During a live taped presentation at Rome Free Academy in 2003, as part of the New York State Oral History Projects, Anthony brought WWII history to life by these young students by sharing his personal war time experiences, major engagements, and what was like to be at war when one is barely out of their teens. Anthony remarked to his students “war is not an exact science.”
Duties as a radar fire controller required him to give range and bearings on enemy ships. As a matter of fact, Anthony earned his rank as Radarman 1st class during combat. The captain was confident in keeping the Renshaw on a straight course, despite a rain squall. Anthony insisted that embedded in this squall line a fleet of US ships was steaming straight ahead. In a show of frustration and confidence on his insistence to change course, he slammed his wallet on the counsel betting his wages and possibly his reputation. As soon as the captain changed course a fleet of US warships broke through the rain squall. He made him Radarman 1st class for this call, which conceivably could have been devastating. At Ormoe Bay, Renshaw caught a Japanese sub on the surface, which was later sunk, and at Saipan, Anthony remarked, “worst carnage I have ever seen in my life.” On February 21st 1945, Renshaw was torpedoed with a loss of nineteen lives. He had the distinction of being the last remaining veteran of the crew of his ship: USS Renshaw DD 499.
On Navy Day in October 26, 1945, Present Harry Truman chose the USS Renshaw for a tour of the fleet in New York harbor. Renshaw was selected on the basis of her fighting record.
During his lifetime, Anthony and his late wife, Molly, were generous with their resources, hosting Fresh Air Children from New York City during Christmas and summers. He was an avid gardener, voracious reader and a supporter of the Humane Society of America, Audubon Society, Saint Jude, and many more charities.
Anthony was a lifetime member of St. John the Baptist Church, Rome Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2246, and the Polish Home. He enjoyed watching football on TV, especially the Buffalo Bills, which was a love-hate relationship. He also took great pride in restoring, and driving a 1969 MGB roadster, plus traveling with his wife to many Navy reunions. He lived a full life and most of all he cherished spending time with family, including his longtime cat pal, Buddy.
Anthony is survived by his son, Michael and his wife, Bridgett; a daughter, Elaine; grandchildren, Amanda and Justin Downey, Angela Dagget, Annette Kirkham, and Michele and Kevin Barefoot; great grandchildren, Gabriella Downey and Ian Barefoot; nieces and nephews, Virgina Wendt, Ginger Walker, Nick Cross, Richard and Sue DiCarlo, Gean and John Logan, Richard and Lois DiCarlo, Emillio DiCarlo, and Dominick Stagliano; and a very special family friend of over 40 years, Paula Porier of Shrewsbury, MA. He was predeceased by a brother, Dominick; and six sisters, Lena Yano, Anne Cross, Rose Hasty, and Theresa, Mary, and Frances Stagliano.
Anthony’s family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff, Doctors and Nurses, especially Drs. Desai, Sullivan, and Amidon, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica and Bethany Gardens Skilled Living Center in Rome. While his stay was only a matter of days, the care and compassion showed to him was exceptional in all respects. Last but not least, a gracious thank you to the many friends and acquaintances of Anthony at the Rome VFW Post 2246, including Ron Barry, Don Converse, and Frank Woznicki.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio, on Tuesday at 1:30 PM, at the Church of St. John the Baptist. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery
Relatives and friends may call Tuesday at the Church of St. John the Baptist, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, prior to the funeral.
To the many friends and acquaintances of Anthony, in honor of our father’s love for all things living, we ask in lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Rome Humane Society, the National Audubon Society, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony S "Tony" Stagliano, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
