Anthony Antunes, Jr.

Anthony “Tony” Antunes, Jr.

On January 26, 2026, Anthony unexpectedly took his final flight into the arms of our Lord. As a born and raised Catholic, he firmly believed one day he would be in the awesome presence of our Savior.

Tony married Karen (Rake) on May 20,2000 at The Genetti Hotel, Williamsport, PA. They resided in Brigantine, NJ and enjoyed a home in Freeburg, PA. They recently celebrated 25 glorious years of marriage. Over those years they spent much time traveling abroad and domestically. As well as enjoying their many common interests-beach walking, music, live bands and theater.

Tony was born to the late Anthony Antunes, Sr. and Dorothy Defontes Antunes on May 23, 1950. He graduated from East Providence High School, Rhode Island in 1968.

He willingly joined the United States Army in 1971. Serving in Vietnam as an avionics mechanic. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Vietnam Campaign Medal.

With the support of the GI Bill, he pursued his childhood dream to fly airplanes. The majority of his professional career, Tony was a Captain on the Airbus for Spirit Airlines based out of Atlantic City, NJ. Over his career, he safely flew 24,000 total flight hours. Tony loved every aspect of the aviation industry. Most especially training pilots and talking about flying!

Proud father of Christopher (Gloria) Antunes, Littleton, CO and Danielle (Dan) Silva, Pawtucket, RI. El Padre to his grandchildren Colin Robert Gauthier, Cameron Edmond Gauthier, Landon Anthony Antunes, Blake Javier Antunes, and dearest Eva Maria Antunes.

Tony is survived by sisters Sheila Lewis, Kat Neracker, brothers Robert (Betty) Antunes and Kevin (Anh) Antunes. His mother-in-law, Carol Hitesman Rake and sisters-in-law, Carla & Jenny Rake. Brother-in-law Randal (Sarah) Rake. And many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sister Sheila’s husband, Ralph.

After retiring from flying in 2015, Tony revisited his love of all things mechanical. Including driving and working on Hot Rods, Muscle Cars and drag racing his 1977 Vega. Recently he enjoyed summers racing with his buddies at Beaver Springs Dragway. He loved tinkering in his garage, maintaining his homes, and making his wife and family happy. He smiled and laughed from sunup to sundown. He had a blessed life and he treated every day as a gift.

Family and friends are invited to attend the following events:

Deacon Lenny Long will officiate a memorial service followed by military honors on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 10am, at 16th Street S and the beach in Brigantine, NJ.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 from noon to 4, at his farmstead in Freeburg, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Anthony “Tony” Antunes, Jr. to support veteran students pursuing flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Gifts made in Tony’s memory will benefit the Veteran Student Flight Scholarship Fund, assisting student veterans enrolled in the Aeronautical Science Professional Pilot Flight Training Program.

Donations may be made online at https://alumnifriends.erau.edu/s/give. Please note: In Memory of Anthony “Tony” Antunes, Jr.

Or by mail to: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Attn: Advancement Services, 1 Aerospace Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114-39014.