Fr. Anthony R. Giudice, OFM, Cap., a longtime resident of New Jersey, entered into eternal rest on July 14, 2026, at the age of 95.
Born on April 20, 1931, in Manhattan, New York, Fr. Anthony was the son of the late Luigi Giudice and Mardlena Brescia-Giudice. He was raised alongside his brother, Michael. Ordained to the priesthood in 1954 in Beacon, New York, in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM, Cap), Fr. Anthony dedicated his life to faithful service.
In the early 1960s, he served in ministry in New York, including at Immaculate Heart of Mary Capuchin Minor Seminary in Geneva, where he also taught. He pursued studies in Philosophy and Theology in Staunton, Virginia, and earned an undergraduate degree in medical history from Fordham University. Guided by a profound Catholic faith, Fr. Anthony entered the U.S. Army as a Chaplain on August 5, 1970. He served during the final years of the Vietnam War (August 1971 – August 1972), earning a Bronze Star Medal for Merit/Achievement (the 4th highest combat award in the U.S. Military). Additional honors include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (Unit Citation), and Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. During the early 1980s, he served as Post Chaplain at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Robert F. Vicci, LTC (Ret.). Subsequent assignments took him to Fort Carson, Colorado; Germany; and Fort Eustis, Virginia. He retired from the U.S. Army on February 28, 1990, at the rank of Major.
Upon retirement, Fr. Anthony returned to Beacon, New York, his spiritual home. There, he celebrated daily Mass with fellow Capuchin priests in the small chapel.
Throughout his life, Fr. Anthony traveled extensively for study and worship, particularly to Italy. He ministered in numerous parishes across New York and New Jersey, notably St. Francis of Assisi in Hackensack. Having attended the Defense Language Institute for Spanish language training during his military service, he frequently celebrated Mass in Spanish. Fr. Anthony remained active in parish ministry for 54 years until relocating to St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon for brotherhood and care, later transitioning to the Veterans Home in Montrose to be among his fellow veterans. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael Guidice of Dumont, New Jersey, in 2011, also a proud U.S. Army veteran.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack, New Jersey. Burial with full military honors will follow at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, with services to be scheduled for mid-August.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
