Steven John Antonacci

Steven John Antonacci served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of E4 Specialist.

Mr. Antonacci was inducted into the Army and stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. It was not long before, at 19 years old, he was shipped out to Vietnam, First Field Force, from 1968 to 1969.

Upon his discharge, for his service and bravery to our Nation, Mr. Antonacci received the rank of Specialist 4. He earned numerous recognitions, including the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Cold War Medal, and the RVN Campaign Medal.

On Veterans Day in 1969, Mr. Antonacci took the long flight home to Kennedy Airport, much to the great relief of his family, friends, and his fiancée, Jeanette.

On April 18, 1970, he and his wife, Jeanette, were married and settled in Queens.
On March 25, 1973, much to their delight, their son, Steven John, was born and three years later, Tricia Lin was born, creating the perfect family. In 1978, they purchased a home and the family moved to Sayville. Mr. Antonacci commuted to the City, where he worked at Merrill Lynch as a foreman in the communications division of Local 3, where the hours were long, and the job required constant attention. On June 28, 1982, they welcomed another son, James Daniel. Life was busier than ever; years passed, and the kids grew up.

Mr. Antonacci decided it was time to retire in 1991. He chose a path that allowed him to help other veterans and became Commander of Smith-Wever Post 651 for eight years. He also served as Commander of Suffolk County for one year and concluded with an additional year as Commander of Post 651. He also held the title of Adjutant of Suffolk County, and Second Division Commander of Suffolk County.

Mr. Antonacci was born in Brooklyn, New York to his parents, John and Grace, and joined his sister, Theresa. The extended family included grandparents who emigrated from Italy and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. This close-knit Italian family lived near each other and celebrated holidays and special events together.

Mr. Antonacci attended Thomas Edison High School, where he played basketball and was a key player for the team. He received All-City honorable mention.