Anthony J. "Tony" Scardina Sr.

Anthony “Tony,” “Scar,” “Speedy,” James Scardina Sr. departed peacefully surrounded by family and friends in Portsmouth, Virginia on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Tony was born and raised in the beautiful hills of Scottdale, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late James, who immigrated from Sicily at the age of 16, and May Scardina who worked hard to support their six children during The Depression Era. Also preceding Tony was his oldest brother Marion, Sammy, Frank, and Dominic. Tony is survived by his beloved sister Angie, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Tony answered the call to serve his country and entered active duty with the Pennsylvania National Guard at the age of 16, then transferred to the United States Army. During his outstanding military service, he had the unique opportunity to enlist and finish his military career with the United States Marine Corps. While serving as a Leatherneck, he was awarded the Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Combat Aircrew Insignia. He earned his fifth Air Medal while serving in Vietnam in 1965. He finished out the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia in 1972 as Crew Chief of HMX-1, the helicopter squadron for the President of the United States. Tony met the late Kathryn Julia Antal while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia during the Fifties. They were married in Baltimore, Maryland in 1956. They spent 53 years together raising three children, Vicki Lynne Bibeau (deceased), her husband Frank, Anthony James Scardina Jr. (Wendy), Michael Keith Scardina (deceased). They also enjoyed the blessings of grandchildren, Michael II, Justine (Jacob), Laura, and Dominique. “Pop-Pop” was able to live to see his great-granddaughter, Julia Kathyrn. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Chesapeake, Virginia where he met his loving friend, Alice. He will be missed by many members of the congregation and community. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life. Later in life, he found a new passion for bowling with his league and working out at the gym where new friendships were formed. Tony served in the American Legion for the state of Virginia and volunteered for many other programs for God, country, and our veterans. The family would like to thank the doctors, staff, family, and friends who helped support his care and good health in recent years. In lieu of flowers, Pop’s family requests memorial donations be generously made to Toys for Tots, a program run by USMC Reserve. Please visit www.toysfortots.org.