SPRING HILL, FL, Dec. 4 – Anthony “Tony” Cristo, 85, of Spring Hill, Florida, and formerly of Farmville, died Tuesday, November 26, 2008.

A lifelong educator and businessman, Dr. Cristo graduated from Gloucester, Mass. High School (Class of 1942). He received a BA degree in Economics from the University of Maine (1949), MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania (1958), U.S. Command and General Staff College Diploma (1961), U.S. Army Nuclear Weapons Diploma (1962), and PHD from Duke University (Heritage Society 1973).

He was a Professor of Military Division Operations at Leavenworth, Kansas and Professor of Economics at the University of Kansas, University of Maryland, Hampden-Sydney College, and Longwood University from 1966-84. He retired from Longwood University in 1984 and relocated to Nags Head, NC, Navarre, FL, and finally Spring Hill, FL.

Tony was a highly decorated Army veteran of three wars. He served the country he so dearly loved during World War II (Europe, Third Army), the Korean War (3rd Infantry Division), the Vietnam War (Special Strategic Advisor), and two additional assignments to Seoul, Korea and Vicenza, Italy. Throughout his distinguished military career, he received countless medals, commendations, and certificates that are too numerous to mention, before retiring from the military as a Colonel in 1966.

Tony enjoyed gardening, traveling, and many sports. He especially loved fishing, boating, and a well played round of golf.

He is survived by a son, Robyn B. Cristo and wife Donna of Clarksville; grandchildren, Tyler Cristo of Farmville and Farrah Schmidt and husband, David of Rice; great-grandchildren, Meredith and Hanna-Gray Schmidt; and a number of loving relatives and friends.

In addition, Tony is survived by a special, devoted, caring and wonderful lady, Muriel Potter of Spring Hill, FL. Muriel, 82, faithfully drove 14 miles daily for many years to check, care, and comfort him while at Consulate Health Care in Hudson, FL.

He was preceded in death by Mary G. Cristo, a son, Brian, great-grandchildren, Isaac David and Rachel Catherine Schmidt, and sisters, Lucy B. Cristo, Mary Domingos, and Rita Lukegord.

A memorial service will be held in Hudson, FL, and a military interment at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, with the firing party, bugler, escort troops, flag presentation, and riderless horse. He will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Arrangements are by National Cremation Society of Hudson, FL.