Anthony C. “Tony” Nesci, Sr. was born in Syracuse in 1938. A lifelong resident, he graduated from North High School in 1959 and then joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1959-1961, was stationed in Germany and achieved the rank of Private First Class 3. He and his wife, Annette, were married for 45 years and have four children.
Tony was employed by New Process Gear for 43 years, including a position as a peer counselor with the UAW Daimler Chrysler Training Center. He was also a member of the UAW Local 624, serving as CAP and PAC counsel. His greatest legacy, however, is his tireless effort on behalf of veterans in Central New York.
Tony served as Chairman of the Veterans Memorial at the New York State Fair, was a Life-Member of American Legion Post 188 and was active in volunteering and fund raising for the VA Hospital. He was named Onondaga County Veteran of the Year in 2010.
He served on many different committees and advisory boards which guided policy and programs for veterans, including the City of Syracuse Veterans Advisory Board, OnCenter Veterans Advisory Board, UAW Veterans Committee, the Battle of the Bulge Veterans organization and Vietnam Veterans Chapter #103.
In 2000, Tony founded the Eagle Association of CNY, a not-for-profit organization, to support veterans through donations to military and veterans’ organizations and advocacy on their behalf. He was instrumental in getting the Vietnam Moving Wall memorial to stop in Onondaga County. Most recently, he was one of the driving forces behind the construction and expansion of a permanent Veterans Memorial at the New York State Fairground, which pays tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and is a popular stop for the million visitors at the State Fair each year.
Tony passed away in June 2011, but he is remembered by the countless lives he touched through his dedication to bringing veterans issues to the forefront and ensuring all veterans’ service is recognized and appreciated.
