Although we're devastated to see Anthony go, he loved to make people smile. Anthony had his wacky sense of humor his entire life and was the best person we have ever known. He will be missed by all, but we find comfort knowing his spirit will live on in laughter and the legacy he created.
Anthony David Starace of Murray, UT passed away on May 7, 2024 after a 3 1/2 year battle with brain cancer. Anthony was predeceased by his grandfather Jimmy Starace, grandfather George Steele and grandmother Margaret Steele.
Born in Tucson, AZ to parents Mike and Eileen Starace on September 6th, 1990, he grew up in a close knit community of schools, sports, and family. He continued his education in Flagstaff, attending Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University. It was here Anthony began his military career with the NAU ROTC program as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Anthony went on to serve in the Army for seven years achieving the rank of Captain. He served in the 101st Airborne division at Ft. Campbell in the 1-75th Cavalry Regiment. He also served at Camp Casey in Korea in the 2nd Infantry. Finally, at Ft Myers Virginia as the Logistics Officer for the 3rd Infantry Regiment for Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Serving his country and his fellow service members was profoundly meaningful for him.
While stationed at Ft. Campbell in 2017 he met the love of his life, Rachel. In typical Anthony nature, he courted her with dancing in his light-up shoes, singing karaoke, playing piano, and making her laugh. Rachel and Anthony would spend their time accomplishing their goals list, going on adventurous food dates, and playing with their fur babies.
Anthony valued authenticity, resilience, honor, humility, and servitude. He brought these values as an avid entrepreneur, exploring a wide range of business opportunities in logistics, mobile apps, and moving/storage.
His legacy lives on through his large family and those who knew him. His parents Mike and Eileen Starace, amazing wife Rachel Starace, puppies Yotto and Apollo, brother Michael Starace (Erica), sister Brittany Bristol-Joseph (Tavel), grandmother Marilyn, god-parents Jeff and Aimee Coleman, and nieces and nephews Eva, Gabriella, Lorenzo, Charvel, and Tavel. As well as the numerous Aunts and Uncles, cousins, adopted family, and friends.
"There was no world problem he couldn't solve or goal too lofty"
"Anthony was so many things and taught me endless lessons in our short 7 years together. His humor, inclusion, passion, resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and desire to leave a lasting legacy and positively impact the world around him are just a few."
"The military gave him purpose. He found himself, found his voice in this world....and became a pillar of our family."
"He pointed to his ladybug tattoo and said it's my responsibility to take on all the pain and struggle for the people I love so that they can live safe."