Antonio Castro Viddy Jr. of Dover died suddenly at his home Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. He was 32.
Antonio was born April 1, 1977 in Monrovia, Liberia to Vesta Broderick Viddy and the late Antonio C. Viddy Sr.
Antonio was a very well-rounded person who enjoyed every aspect of his life. He was an unbelievably loyal friend, a tremendous leader, and a magnificent image of what a person can accomplish with hard work and dedication. His life was ripe with numerous people who loved him, and whom he loved.
Antonio’s major focus and attention was always to family. Honor and duty toward fulfilling the roles of husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin was his top priority.
On Dec. 15, 2000 his loving relationship with Laurie Ebersole evolved into marriage. During their 9 years of marriage they shared and flourished in all aspects of life, love and personal growth. The strength and quality of their relationship was both inspirational and infectious to all.
He graduated from Dover High School in 1995 and attended West Virginia University, where he played football. He returned to Delaware and finished his education at Delaware State University (DSU) where he studied Airway Science. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aircraft Systems Management, highlighted by consistent appearances on the Dean’s list.
Upon graduating from DSU and receiving his pilot’s license, he worked as a Flight Instructor for two years. He started his first commercial airline job at Great Lakes Airlines, later becoming a Captain at MESA Airlines based at Dulles Airport. In December 2007, Antonio reached his career goal when he accepted a job with Continental Airlines, a legacy airline.
He was a member of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover. He was active in many other endeavors, including the Aviation Career Enrichment Camps for children.
He was preceded in death by his father Antonio C. Viddy Sr. and his Aunt, Susan E. Neyor.
Antonio is survived by his wife, Laurie Ebersole Viddy, and 2-year-old son, Maxwell Antonio Viddy of Dover, and a host of family and friends from around the world.
Among these are the following people; mother, Mrs. Vesta Broderick Viddy; grandmother, Mrs. Sylvia Dickerson Broderick; siblings - Vestonia, Miguel, Charles of Dover and Smyrna respectively; Laura (Jerome) Darga and family of Philadelphia, PA; Rachel (Massimo) Squitieri and family of Philadelphia, PA; M’Bwende (Jaime)Anderson and family of Washington, D.C.; Dr. Cyril E. Broderick and family, Mr. Jacob (Sciou) Broderick and family, Mrs. Leona (Rev. S. Alexander) Minor, Mrs. Thelma (Dr. James) Guseh family, the Christopher Z. Neyor family, Ms. Jackie Broderick and family, and Mrs. Anna Frazier (Nito) Feijoo family of Spain, and beloved In-laws, Richard and Arlene Ebersole, Lee Ebersole and family, Linda Learned and family, Jason Ebersole and family, Julie Moran and family, and many other cousins and relatives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saturday, March 6 at 10 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 631 S. State Street, Dover. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 5 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Interment will be in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Antonio C. Viddy, Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o Citizens Bank, 8 West Loockerman Street, Dover, DE, 19904 – Attn: Heather Standish.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com
