Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony Gaglione, 78

GREENWOOD - Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Anthony Gaglione of Greenwood died Tuesday, April 10, 2007, in Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital. He was 78.

Mr. Gaglione was born in Cleveland, son of the late Charles and Marianna Gaglione.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant in 1976. He started his military career in the U.S. Navy on April 25, 1946. After serving two years, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves for about a year, before rejoining the U.S. Navy in 1951. After another two years, he again joined the reserves for two years, then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Jan. 14, 1957. From that point on, he served in the Air Force for over 19 years, until his retirement. His vast military career included serving in World War II, the Korean War, as well as Vietnam. He received numerous awards and medals throughout his career.

In his spare time, he enjoyed working on crossword puzzles. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and bringing them donuts. He was a regular member of the Donut Connection "coffee club," where he often times went for his morning coffee and donuts. In his younger years, Mr. Gaglione spent countless hours as a sports official. He was a football and basketball official and served as a baseball umpire for the little league.

Mr. Gaglione was a member of the Blue Hen Post 6483 Veterans of Foreign Wars of Milford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ricelli and Rose Marie Lloyd.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Elaine Gaglione; a son, Mark A. Gaglione of Milford; a daughter, Michelle B. Johnson of Hartly; six grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Services will be 11:30 a.m. Monday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Millsboro.