Anthony Charles Piccione

Anthony (“Tony”) Charles Piccione passed away peacefully on March 22, 2023, at his residence at the Fort Walton Beach Development Center. 

Formerly from Indianapolis, IN, Tony was born October 8, 1956, where he resided until 1984 when he moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL, taking residence with his brother’s family. While growing up in Indianapolis, he attended a number of Indianapolis public schools that provided instruction to the developmentally challenged. After moving to Fort Walton Beach, Tony attended the workshop at the Arc of the Emerald Coast for over thirty-six years.

Throughout his life, Tony enjoyed playing games, including the card game of War and the boardgame Sorry, and sports activities such as shooting baskets and bowling each Friday. He was a Special Olympian in the events of softball throwing and long jump. Tony was an avid fan of Elvis, Batman and the I Love Lucy Show. He could also keep a mean beat with his drum set and loved dancing, especially at his nieces’ weddings. His favorite movie was White Christmas which he faithfully had to watch each Thanksgiving. He also was, on occasion, spotted doing a Jackie Gleason imitation. Tony enjoyed relaxing as he paged through his favorite wrestling magazine. It can be said, unmistakably, that Tony’s favorite activity was eating. With the exception of water, there wasn’t a meal or drink that you could put in front of him that he didn’t like. Some of his favorites were cheeseburgers, hot dogs, ravioli and meatballs, macaroni and cheese and Twinkies.

Tony is survived by his brother, Frank Piccione and sister-in-law, Kathy Piccione; two nieces, Angela Severe & her husband, Mark of Orlando, FL and Stephanie Elliott & her husband, Karl of Orlando, FL; and two great-nephews, Isaac Elliott and Elijah Elliott. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rose Piccione and his niece, Jennifer Wilde.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at both the Arc of the Emerald Coast and the Fort Walton Beach Development Center. 

A visitation will be held at the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, on Friday, March 31, from 5PM – 7PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church, 110 St. Mary Ave. NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL, on Saturday, April 1, at 10AM.Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN, on Tuesday, April 4, at 2:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arc of the Emerald Coast, 123 Truxton Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, or to the Fort Walton Beach Developmental Center, 1045 Mar Walt Dr., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. The Developmental Center can’t accept money, but is always in need of personal hygiene items, clothes, and arts and craft supplies for their residents.

I once knew a little man

Who had from the start

Such small round hands

But a very big heart

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