Anthony "Tony" Strollo

Anthony “Tony” Strollo, 82, of Morehead City, passed away Tuesday, September 11­, 2018, at Carteret Health Care surrounded by his family.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at Bayview Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Jerry Linebarger.

Tony was born on March 16, 1936, to Michael and Mary Strollo in Buffalo, New York.  At the age of 18, Tony joined the United States Marine Corps. While stationed at USMC Cherry Point, he went on a blind date with a Marine buddy whose Morehead City girlfriend brought her good friend, Hattie Dee Davis along, and Tony said it was love at first sight. Tony and Hattie married in 1955 and were blessed with 63 years together.

Tony was very proud of his military career. He served in the Marine Corps for eight years and rose to the rank of Sergeant E-5, specializing as an Aircraft Jet Engine Mechanic. In 1962, he and Hattie returned to Morehead City, where he worked in some odd jobs until he realized his true calling was to serve his country. In 1964, Tony enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served until he retired with 20 years of active duty. While in the USCG he was an AM1 Aircrewman Class II, Rescue Swimmer, and Flight Engineer / Plane Captain.

During his tenure in the USCG, he was selected to serve as a member of the Coast Guard Air Detachment in Arlington, VA (1969-1972) as a member of the US Secretary of Transportation’s transport staff. Only the top Aviation Specialists within the Coast Guard are selected for this post.

Twice during his service to the USCG, Tony was awarded the “Outstanding Aircrewman’s Award – Lt. Robert A. Perchard Memorial Trophy” (1966 and 1973).

Following retirement, Tony still had a desire to serve his country, so he began a second 20-year career with the Federal Civilian Service at Cherry Point. There he rose to the rank of WG-10 Aircraft Mechanic. His primary duty was to work on the “Pedro” rescue helicopters. He received several recognitions and commendations from the Commandant of the USMC for his contributions to the Corps. Two of the most notable were: identifying a design flaw in an aircraft which could have caused catastrophic consequences, Tony was able to create a mechanism to correct the flaw; recognizing that the Pedro search and rescue helicopter had no search light, he designed one, and with the help of fellow civil servant employees installed the prototype that went on to become a standard safety feature in all such helicopters.

Tony was an avid hunter and fisherman. He received several citations from the NC Division of Marine Fisheries for his catches and also enjoyed his many trophies from deer hunting. He also treasured the hours and miles he was able to spend riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with friends.

He includes among his friends, those he gathered with over meals or coffee at local places like Hardee’s, Captain’s Table and Pkat Arms Gun Shop.

Tony is survived by his wife, Hattie Dee Davis Strollo; daughter, Sally Strollo Lumpkin and husband, Lee; grandson, Tony Henderson and wife, Cathy; and three great-grandchildren, Jimmy, Abby and Saylor Henderson.

Family will receive friends at a reception to be held at the daughter’s home, immediately following the graveside service.

The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living and also Carteret Health Care for the attention and care that they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NC Baptist on Mission for the Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief at P.O. Box 1107 Cary, NC 27512; Carteret Health Care Foundation - CHC Staff Hurricane Relief Fund at 3500 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557; NC Fraternal Order of Police, attention, “Disaster Relief” at 1500 Walnut Dr., Cary, NC 27511; or the Hurricane Florence Disaster Relief Charitable Organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.