Anthony Joseph DeStefano

Monday, March 4, 2013, Anthony Joseph DeStefano, Jr., husband of Margaret Kornahrens DeStefano, gave his soul back to his Maker with the hope that salvation was awaiting in return for a good life of faith and belief. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, at 1:00 p.m. Rite of Committal, Magnolia Cemetery . The family will receive friends Wednesday between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL with a Wake Service at 7:30p.m.

A. J. was born in Walterboro, South Carolina in 1931 and attended St. Patrick's Church as an altar boy and scout. He graduated from Bishop England High School and remained in contact with his lifetime friends and alumni. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and past member of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. He is also a past member and officer of the Knights of Columbus.

He was employed by South Carolina Electric and Gas where he began as a clerk at Plant Hagood. He retired from his Columbia position as Group Manager for the Land and Right of Way Departments, including forestry, timber, lakes, leases and recreation. He was past president of Chapter 31 for North and South Carolina Right of Way Association and served on the board of directors for the International Right of Way Association. He was awarded Right Away agent of the year for North and South Carolina.

A. J. was retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard since joining in 1948 at age 17. He was Sergeant Major/ Senior Operations Sergeant. He was an expert marksman in pistol and M1 and M16 rifle and on the SCNG State Championship rifle team for five years. He was awarded NCO of the year and the prestigious rank of E-9.

He was a lifetime member of The Washington Light Infantry where he was Chairman of the Board of Officers and Commander of the Uniformed Company. He also served as banquet chairman and had the great honor of Toastmaster for General Westmoreland. He was past president of NCO Club of Company B. He was recently presented a State certificate of appreciation from Governor Haley in recognition for his service to the State of South Carolina and an honorary membership to WLI. The office of Charleston County Veteran Affairs awarded a certificate in appreciation for his many years of service to the community and our country serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He was recently promoted to Colonel.

He was the state director of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Command. He was a past board member and command sergeant for the Sumter Guard and past president of the Marion Marauders of Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of The Arion Society and The German Friendly Society. He was a past member of the Charleston Rifle Club and American Legion. He was a lifetime member of the Charleston Elks Lodge #4 BPOE.

A.J. was known affectionately to many as "PaPa", daddy, Uncle A.J., Anthony Junior, Tony and Pete. He was an avid collector of coins, stamps, Jim Booth, gem stones and over 4000 beer cans and bottles from around the world. He had a love of music, painting and poetry. He was appointed Poet Lauriat of SC National Guard by the House of Representatives. The WLI also adopted his poem as the Creed and their insignia worn over the heart was designed by him.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years; three daughters, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Donna DeStefano McDonald and Dirk McDonald live in Summerville with their sons, Dillon, Drayton and Dalton. JoAnn DeStefano Waller lives on James Island and has two daughters, Kaylie and Chelsey. Toni DeStefano Vines lives West Ashley with her daughter, Christina. His great granddaughter, Ashlan Tayler McDonald lives in Walterboro. He was predeceased by his sisters, Jessie Marie DeStefano McKnight and Lois "Bootsie" Lilly.

He will be missed by many.

Memorials may be made to The Washington Light Infantry, 287 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401