Anthony "Tony" Onesi

February 10, 1921 – April 2, 2012

Anthony "Tony" Onesi went home to be with the Lord Monday, April 2, 2012, at age 91. He passed on in the comfort of his home in Rocklin, CA, surrounded by his wife and children.

Anthony was born February 10, 1921 in Clymer, PA to the late Paul and Mary Onesi. He is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Margaret (Rocklin, CA); his four children, Donna Onesi (Chico, CA); Jack Onesi (Rochelle, TX); Jean Onesi (Rocklin, CA); and Christine Onesi (Rocklin, CA); as well as eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Joseph Onesi, Catherine Rotundo, John Onesi and Mary DeCorse, all whom reside in Niagara Falls, NY. He was predeceased by his brother, Sylvester Onesi (Niagara Falls, NY).

He grew up in Niagara Falls, NY where he married his wife, Margaret, on July 16, 1945, and became a father. He graduated with his Bachelors in Electronic Engineering and retired from the FAA after 25 years of service. In 2000, he moved to Rocklin, CA to be closer to his children and their families.

Anthony was a proud and humble WWII veteran. He was attached to the 95th Bomb Group/336th Bomb Squadron Eighth Air Force. He was the Waist Gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress "Destiny's Tot". On December 30th 1943, on the crew's 13th mission, Destiny's Tot was shot down over France. Anthony was captured and a prisoner of war for 18 months in German camps (Stalag Luft VI and Stalag Luft IV). As a prisoner he was forced to evacuate Stalag Luft IV, and was part of the inhumane three-month march the "Heydekrug Run", which was classied as a "war crime event".

He is survived by Mr. Richard Smith, 1st Lieutenant, pilot of Destiny's Tot, B-17 Flying Fortress. They remained close friends throughout the years. When Anthony was interviewed for the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, LA and asked what he would say today to the German pilot that shot down Destiny's Tot, he shrugged his shoulders and said, "You just did your job; a good job".

Anthony was the recipient of the Purple Heart; Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster; Prisoner of War Medal and Aerial Gunner's Wings. He was both an American and family hero.

Funeral services were held on April 10, 2012, at Community Covenant Church in Rocklin, CA. Military honors and interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on May 8, 2012. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), www.DAV.org.

Visit www.niagara-gazette.com/obituaries for online guest register.

Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, NY) - Wednesday, April 11, 2012