Anthony P. Rush

Anthony Peter Rush, a retired US Navy Medical Corps Captain, passed away on 22 July 2014 with his loving wife Norma, of 66 years, by his side. Tony was born in Michigan in August of 1918 and is a direct descendent of Dr. Benjamin Rush, the first Surgeon General and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

As Naval Reserve Officer, he graduated from Dayton University and then received his doctorate from Wayne State College of Medicine in 1944. Spanning nearly 40 years, he had a distinguished Naval career which began in 1945. While serving as the Senior Medical Officer of the Naval Hospital in Grosse Ile, MI he met Norma and they married in July of 1948.

After becoming a Naval Flight Surgeon in September 1948, Tony had fleet tours on aircraft carriers USS Wright, USS Sibony and USS Randolph. He was a member of the original crew which commissioned the US Naval Aviation Safety Center and he participated in the world record setting Naval high altitude manned balloon project called Stratolab. He commanded hospitals in Rota Spain and Cherry Point, NC., and retired from active duty in 1980 in Pensacola. He and Norma remained in Pensacola until his passing.

Tony was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, and servant to his Lord, who enjoyed his family, golf, reading, working out, and spending time at the National Naval Aviation Museum with his children and grandchildren.

He is preceeded in death by his son, Tony. In addition to Norma, Tony is survived by his children Pamela (Gary) of Vail, AZ, Tim (Beverly) of Memphis, TN, and Michael of Panama City, FL.; grandchildren Tim (Sarah Jane), Heather, Parker, Ryan and Erin; great grandchildren Kayley and Taylor. He will be deeply missed by all.

The family wishes to express their thanks for their loving support to Covenant Hospice and Homestead Village Building J.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10 from 5pm to 7pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home with rosary at 5:30pm. Little Flower Catholic Church will hold a memorial Mass on Monday, August 11 at 10:30am with inurnment following at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:45am.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave. Pensacola, FL, The Marianist Mission in Dayton Ohio, or the National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.