Antonio Savoca

Antonio (Tony) Savoca, a decorated World War II and Korean War veteran, aerospace executive and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully in his home in Gainesville, Virginia, on January 10, 2026. He was 102 years old. Born on August 10, 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio, Tony was one of seven children born to Sicilian immigrant parents, Peter and Angelina Savoca. He lived a full and admirable life defined by quiet patriotism, staunch integrity, and extraordinary service to his country. At just 18 years old, before graduating high school, Tony volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and Bombardier in 1943, he served with the 95th Bomb Group in the European Theater during World War II. On March 6, 1944, during the first maximum-effort bombardment mission over Berlin, his B-17 was shot down. Tony survived by bailing out under fire and was captured by German forces. He spent fourteen months as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft I, where he participated in multiple escape attempts before being liberated by Russian troops in May 1945. After the war, Tony chose to continue his military career, serving with distinction during the Korean War as part of the 22nd Bomb Group. He completed 26 B29 combat missions over North Korea from Okinawa, receiving a letter of appreciation and commendation from General MacArthur. Over a 21-year Air Force career, he earned promotions to Lieutenant Colonel, received multiple commendations for his leadership and teaching, and completed his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Oklahoma, earning Beta Gamma Sigma honors. For his heroism and meritorious achievement in combat, Tony was awarded the Air Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters. September 27, 1952, Tony married the love of his life, Charlene Henson, marking the start of 73 years rooted in unwavering love, partnership and adventure. Together they made homes across the country, living in; Sacramento, California; Houston, Texas; San Antonio, Texas; Norman, Oklahoma; Dayton, Ohio; Brigham City, Utah; and Washington, D.C. In later years, they settled in Gainsville, Virginia to be close to their only daughter, Gina. In 1963, Tony retired from the Air Force and began an equally remarkable civilian career in the aerospace industry. Rising through the ranks at Thiokol’s Wasatch Division, he became Vice President and General Manager. His leadership contributed to some of the most critical defense and space programs in U.S. history, including the Minuteman missile system, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and the solid rocket motors used in the Space Shuttle program. For his contributions, Tony was awarded NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal and the Collier Trophy. In addition to propulsion, Tony led Thiokol in pioneering automotive airbag safety technologies. After 19 years at Thiokol, Tony went on to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of Transpace Carriers Corporation, organized to take the Delta space launch vehicle to the private sector. Tony later served as Senior Vice President of Sequa Corporation and President and CEO of several subsidiary companies, including Atlantic Research Corporation, CASCO Corporation, Kollsman Corporation and Professional Services Group, where he continued to pioneer advancements in defense systems and space propulsion. He retired for good in 1997 after decades of transformative leadership. Alongside his extraordinary accomplishments, Tony remained a modest and deeply principled family man, and to those who knew him, a real-life embodiment of the American Dream. In retirement, he enjoyed cross-country and international travel with his wife, spending time with his family, and managing his investments. Tony lived an esteemed life of excellence and honor, steadfast service, and enduring love. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the country he served so faithfully. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Angelina Savoca, his brothers and sisters, Sam Savoca, Phyllis Longano, Francis Sgro, Litterio Savoca, and grandchild, Mia Rose. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Charlene Savoca; his daughter, Gina Savoca Rose; his sisters, Adeline Ford and Geraldine Kovacs; his six grandchildren, Lily, Joey, Logan, Jamie, Antonio and Molly; and one great-grandson, Liam. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Gainesville, Virginia. Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 25 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, Virginia. Tony Savoca will be laid to rest with high military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date.

Antonio Savoca

August 10, 1923 - January 10, 2026