Major Anthony W. LaCaprucia, US Army (Ret.)

Major Anthony W. LaCaprucia “Mickey”, US Army (Ret.), passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 11, 2021. He leaves behind his beloved wife Carol of 68 years and two daughters, Angelica Burton and Diane Melton. He is survived by his grandchildren, William Paul Melton III, Courtney Wilkes (Husband Matthew), and Crawford William Melton (Wife Lauren) Also surviving are his very special blessings, his great grandchildren Meredyth, Natalie, Halligan, Baylor, Brooke, and David; his youngest brother Frank LaCaprucia of Florida (Wife Denise); his loving sister-in-law Gaetana Malone, and nephews Mark Malone and Freddie Malone (Wife Miriam); his nieces and nephews Sharon, Linda, Marco, Cynthia, Debbie, and Steven. Anthony was predeceased by his sister Patricia Collins, brothers Patrick and Blaise, and nephew Blaise. As a career infantryman, he served his country in Japan, Korea, and two tours in Vietnam. His distinguished career took his family to Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Illinois, and back to South Carolina. Major LaCaprucia earned numerous Military Awards and Decorations including: National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2), Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Combat Infantryman’s Badge, The Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart (2), Armed Forces Honor Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), United Nations Service Medal, Gallantry Cross with Gold Meritorious Service Medal and Civil Action Honor Medal. His community interests included the 724 Chapter of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight. As a member of the Navigator Corporation, he served on the Board of Directors of Christopher Towers for many years; 22 of them as President. He was also a member of MOAA, the VFW, and the Sons of Italy. The Army was his life but his devotion to his wife was always #1. And then there was golf. His lifelong favorite hobby was playing as often as he could and sharing it with his youngest grandson. He served for many years for the National Retired Military Classic Tournament held in Myrtle Beach. Mickey also enjoyed railway modeling and sharing it with his great grandchildren. This amazing man will truly be missed by all his family and friends that knew and loved him. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:30 o’clock, Tuesday, March 16th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, with The Rev. Fr. C. Alexander McDonald officiating. Final Commendation and Farewell prayers will be said at Fort Jackson National Cemetery following the service at 2 o'clock. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 4:30 until 6:30 o'clock, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. Mask and social distancing are required. Donations may be sent in his honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365; or to Special Olympics of South Carolina, 109 Oak Park Drive, Irmo, SC 29063

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Major Anthony W. LaCaprucia, US Army (Ret.)

April 15, 1932 - March 11, 2021