Anthony John Steen of Fayetteville, N.C., passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023, with his family and beloved Helen by his side.
He was born in Philadelphia on Jan. 12, 1937 to the late Anthony John (Stankunas) Steen and Kathryn Steen (Lennon). He was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Janet Steen (Vile), with whom he shared three daughters, Patricia O’Malley, Kathryn Rusch (Andrew), and Janet Strohecker (James).
Tony served his country faithfully and with great pride in the United States Marine Corps as a staff sergeant. He brought this sense of service and loyalty to the family he raised and all who knew him. He was a member of Girard College Class of 1953 where he met many lifelong friends he saw as brothers. His own brother, Edward, passed away in Girard College as a child. His analytical and detail-oriented way helped him as he excelled in his career as a project engineer with Unisys Corp. He retired to provide full-time home care for his wife, who was suffering with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Tony embarked on another beautiful chapter of his life and found love again and relocated to Fayetteville, N.C., to be with his “Sweetie,” Helen Vile. They enjoyed their time traveling and just being together. Their love, rooted in friendship and loyalty, was beautiful to see.
Tony is survived by Helen Vile; his daughters; his sister, Kathryn Richards, and was Pop Pop to Heather Bitting, Kaylei Richards, Chris Nolte, Steven O’Malley, Tony Nolte, Jimi Strohecker, Valerie O’Malley, Rocky O’Malley, Andrew Rusch Jr. and Meghan Rusch. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his Lennon Cousins, his many nieces and nephews and Helen’s children, Laura Schimmer (Erik), Bill Vile Jr., and Mike Vile (Heather).
He lived a life well lived, Semper Fi
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at a later date in Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be sent to http://www,jerniganwarren.com
Arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301
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