Obituary for Anthony Paul De Bellis
ANTHONY (TONY) PAUL DE BELLIS, -77, of Centreville, VA, went home to be with the Lord on February 18, 2024, after a long and valiant battle. Tony was born on March 10, 1946, in South Philadelphia, PA. Tony was preceded in death by his grandmother, Caroline De Bellis, and grandfather, Anthony De Bellis, as well as his parents, Felice James De Bellis and Esther Carlino De Bellis.
Tony will belovingly remembered by his wife, Joan Wilson De Bellis; his daughter, Angela Joan De Bellis Castillo; his son-in-law, Darwin Tabios Castillo; his sister, Carol F. Howell; in addition to his beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, and his furry companions—Fiona and Torrone—and his grand dog, Gary Jenkins.
Tony grew up in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later moved to South Jersey, where he attended Oakcrest High School. He then enlisted in the Marines Corps, serving in the BRECON division from 1963 to 1967.He was honorably discharged after receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during his service in Vietnam.
Soon after his return from Vietnam, Tony enrolled in Gloucester County College, where he received an
associate degree in law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, Tony met Joan, and they were later married on November28, 1970—and most recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Besides being recently married, Tony continued his pursuit of education and enrolled at American University in Washington, D.C., where he completed a bachelor’s degree in the Administration of Justice. He then continued with his post-graduate courses at the George Washington University.
The year 1970 was busy for Tony, as he also joined the United States Secret Service in the Uniformed Division. He retired from the Secret Service after 27 years and after serving under several presidents, including Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and William Clinton. He loved sharing stories and shenanigans during his time in the White House.
During his time with the Secret Service, Tony also developed an interest in gemology. He received a certification from the Gemology Institute of America, enabling him to start a jewelry business he ran for several years.
Tony (obviously) enjoyed keeping busy and wasn’t quite ready to retire after his time with the Secret Service and other ventures, so he joined the Defense Intelligence Agency and worked there until his final retirement in 2017.
In 2018, Tony was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Marine Corps. Even though his service to his country led to this ultimate
outcome, he still was so proud and honored to be a Marine.
Tony lived a full and beautiful life. He was dedicated to his family, his faith in Jesus, and his friends. Even though the last few years were difficult, he fought tirelessly. Although we mourn today, we will celebrate Tony forever until we see him again.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 27th from 5-7pm at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road in Northfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 28th at 11am at Our Lady of Sorrows in Linwood, NJ. Interment will be held at Atlantic County Veteran’s Cemetery in Estell Manor.
Tony will belovingly remembered by his wife, Joan Wilson De Bellis; his daughter, Angela Joan De Bellis Castillo; his son-in-law, Darwin Tabios Castillo; his sister, Carol F. Howell; in addition to his beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, and his furry companions—Fiona and Torrone—and his grand dog, Gary Jenkins.
Tony grew up in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later moved to South Jersey, where he attended Oakcrest High School. He then enlisted in the Marines Corps, serving in the BRECON division from 1963 to 1967.He was honorably discharged after receiving a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during his service in Vietnam.
Soon after his return from Vietnam, Tony enrolled in Gloucester County College, where he received an
associate degree in law enforcement. Shortly thereafter, Tony met Joan, and they were later married on November28, 1970—and most recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Besides being recently married, Tony continued his pursuit of education and enrolled at American University in Washington, D.C., where he completed a bachelor’s degree in the Administration of Justice. He then continued with his post-graduate courses at the George Washington University.
The year 1970 was busy for Tony, as he also joined the United States Secret Service in the Uniformed Division. He retired from the Secret Service after 27 years and after serving under several presidents, including Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and William Clinton. He loved sharing stories and shenanigans during his time in the White House.
During his time with the Secret Service, Tony also developed an interest in gemology. He received a certification from the Gemology Institute of America, enabling him to start a jewelry business he ran for several years.
Tony (obviously) enjoyed keeping busy and wasn’t quite ready to retire after his time with the Secret Service and other ventures, so he joined the Defense Intelligence Agency and worked there until his final retirement in 2017.
In 2018, Tony was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) due to his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Marine Corps. Even though his service to his country led to this ultimate
outcome, he still was so proud and honored to be a Marine.
Tony lived a full and beautiful life. He was dedicated to his family, his faith in Jesus, and his friends. Even though the last few years were difficult, he fought tirelessly. Although we mourn today, we will celebrate Tony forever until we see him again.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 27th from 5-7pm at Adams-Perfect Funeral Home, 1650 New Road in Northfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 28th at 11am at Our Lady of Sorrows in Linwood, NJ. Interment will be held at Atlantic County Veteran’s Cemetery in Estell Manor.