Col. Anthony Septembio Labrozzi

Col. Anthony Septembio Labrozzi

Col. Anthony Septembio Labrozzi, U.S. Army Infantry (Ret) age 79, of Columbia , South Carolina, formerly of Erie, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009.

He was born September 29, 1929 in Erie, a son of the late Dominico and Amalia DiPaolo Labrozzi. His distinguished military career began in 1946 and included WWII, Korea and two tours in Vietnam. Col. Labrozzi was the recipient of many medals and awards for excellence in service. Some of his honors include the Silver Star, four Bronze Stars and the Soldier's Medal, all for gallantry and heroism in combat. In 2003 he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame for his outstanding devotion to duty and his fellow soldiers.

Throughout Col. Labrozzi's 32-year military career, he distinguished himself in a manner that was a credit to the Airborne Rangers, the United States Army, and to anyone who had the honor to serve with him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Spampani Labrozzi, several brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by two daughters, Tina Labrozzi of Columbia, SC and Cara Iovino and husband, Anthony, of Columbus, OH; two sons, Scott Labrozzi and wife, Danielle, of Cary, NC, and Steven Labrozzi of Kayenta, AZ, and one brother, Mitchell Labrozzi and wife, Beverly of Erie. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Anthony, Nicholas, and Anne Iovino, and Gabrielle, Julian, Aidan, and Quinn Labrozzi, and several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday from 7 to 9 pm and may attend a service there on Monday at 9:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26th Street, at 9:30 am. Burial with full military honors will occur in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia , SC 29210.