Lewis "Lou" John Anthony

Obituary of Lewis J. Anthony
Lewis J. Anthony, longtime resident of Lake Ronkonkoma passed away suddenly surrounded by his family on December 3, 2020, at the age of 80. Born in Brooklyn NY on April 1, 1940 to Louis and Dorothy Anthony, Lou grew up in Glendale Queens and graduated from Richmond Hills High School. He enlisted in the United States Marines Corps in 1959 and after Parris Island SC, he joined the Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Lejeune NC. Through active duty and reserves, Lou served from 1959 through 1982.

He is survived by his loving wife Emily of 58 years, his adoring children Faith Lonieski (Ron) and Lewis (Kathy). Siblings James (Barbara) and Joyce Cereghino (Jerry) and many nieces and nephews. Devoted grandfather of Samantha, Matthew, Lewis, Zachary, Bridget and Jennifer.

Lou met Emily Gallagher while stationed at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and they married on May 2, 1962. During that year, Lou marched as part of the US Marine Band in the John Glenn ticker tape parade in NYC. After the birth of their daughter Faith, they relocated back to Camp Lejeune in 1965 where Lou joined the 2nd BN 6th Marines and they welcomed their son, Lewis Jr. Lou moved his family to Coronado CA for them to be close to other relatives before he entered combat overseas in 1966.

He served his country in combat during the Vietnam War in 1966 (3rd BN 3rd Marines) and 1967 (1st BN 26th Marines). Over his long career he reached the rank of First Sergeant, received various ribbons and medals including the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense medal, as well as obtaining marksmanship achievements of Rifleman Expert and Pistol Expert.

After the war, he continued his service with the Marines, first as part of the Recruiter School in Parris Island in 1968 and then with the 1st Marine Corps Detachment in Garden City NY. He joined the Nassau County Police Department in 1970 and settled in Lake Ronkonkoma NY to raise his family where he was active in the community, including as an original member and coach of the Sachem Youth Soccer League. While at the NCPD, Lou ran the Police Athletic League in Massapequa NY and created a brand new facility which was then dedicated in his honor as the Lou Anthony Sports Complex prior to his retirement in 1995.

During his retirement from both the Police Department and the Marine Corps, Lou was still very active in the community as part of the Marine Corps Veterans Mercury Detachment and continued to make a difference for service members and their families. Lou also spent time at his summer home in Myrtle Beach, organizing golfing and charity events, and loved making memories by taking vacations with his children and grandchildren. He shared a very special 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii with his adoring wife in 2012, where they had previously met during liberty from combat in Vietnam.

On Tuesday December 8th 2020 there will be a private family wake followed by a military burial at Calverton National Cemetery. At a later date, the family hopes to celebrate his life with a special event when it is safe to honor him.

Donations can be made in his honor to one of his favorite charities, The Camp Lejeune Fisher House, by sending a check to Marine Corps Veterans P.O. Box 236 Port Jefferson Station NY 11776.