Antonino "Tony" Joseph Nuccio

Antonino “Tony” Joseph Nuccio, Lt. Col., USAF Retired, (85), of Austin, Texas passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Tony was born to Vincent and Maria Nuccio on November 13, 1938, in Camden, Maine. He grew up in Camden and graduated from Camden High School in 1957. Following his graduation, he attended the University of Maine, Orono and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1961. He was also a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

After college Tony enlisted in the United States Air Force and entered the Officer Training Program at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. He was commissioned as second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on February 6, 1962. Initially he was assigned to Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi, where he attended communications-electronics officer training. He was then assigned to the Air Defense Command, Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin, where he met and married his wife, Susan. Following assignments included communications units at Nakhon Phanom and Korat Thailand; communications staff officer training, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, Mississippi; Headquarters Air Defense Command, Ent AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Air Defense Command, Empire Air Force Station, Empire, Michigan; AIRSOUTH (NATO), Naples, Italy; Tactical Air Control Wing, Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas; and Joint Interface Task Force, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. While serving in Italy, Tony also received a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. He was honorably retired on October 31, 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonial. During his Air Force career, he received numerous awards and commendations including the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

On January 9, 1965, Tony married Susan Marie Sparhawk in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, which culminated a courtship that began in Madison, Wisconsin while Susan was working as a nurse and he was assigned with the USAF. They were married for 59 wonderful years and were blessed by three beautiful children: Michael Lee, Christopher Lee and Nicole Marie.

Following his Air Force career, Tony spent the next years working and consulting in the areas of information and communications technology with a variety of companies including General Electric in Valley Forge, PA; as well as Lockheed Martin, Keane, Inc., Resource Management International, Inc./Navigant Consulting and Team Tech International/Applied Theory in Austin, TX. He retired in October 2001.

Beyond his professional life, Tony was not only an enthusiastic sports fan but a dedicated family man. His presence in the stands, particularly at games featuring his children and grandchildren, brought an unmistakable lift to their spirits. A steadfast supporter of the Boston Red Sox, his loyalty never wavered, regardless of the team's fortunes.

His penchant for travel led to memorable family camping excursions across Europe while stationed in Naples, exploratory journeys through the United States and China upon retirement, and cherished annual reunions with extended family. Tony's warm and welcoming nature shone through the numerous parties and gatherings he and Sue delighted in hosting at their home, fostering a sense of community and enduring friendships.

Tony made many meaningful contributions throughout his life and was actively involved in his community. He was an active member of the Onion Creek Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf until recent years. He volunteered many years delivering for Meals on Wheels. He was an active member of American Legion Post 326 and served in a variety of leadership positions promoting and conducting an annual memorial golf tournament to raise money for a variety of veterans’ and community projects. He was a member of the St Ignatius Catholic Church.

Tony is survived by his loving wife Sue; children Mike Nuccio and wife Leslie; Chris Nuccio and wife Lisa and their children Sophia and Sarah; daughter Nicole and her husband Tim and their children Eliana and Elizabeth; brother Joe and sister-in-law Margaret; brother-in-law Tom Sparhawk; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Tony was preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Maria Nuccio; father-in-law Charles and mother-in-law Marie Sparhawk; brother Peter; brother Louis and sister-in-law Sheila; sister Frances Salenius and brother-in-law Elmer; sister Teresa Berger; sister Angie and brother-in-law Ben Sakalay; brother-in-law Donne Sparhawk; sister-in-law Paula Sawyer Ruble and brother-in-law Roy; and sister-in-law Shirley Sparhawk.

A memorial service, officiated by Chaplin Tom Mohler, will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2:00 PM, Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas. Final interment will be on Monday, June 3, 1:30 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tony’s memory to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, The American Legion or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to: www.CookWaldenForestOaks.com.