Anthony Joseph DeToto Sr.’s life was a testament to dedication—dedicated to family, friends, faith, and service to his country. Anthony was a loving husband to Sandy and a devoted father to their sons, Joe and Jack. He was the cornerstone of his circle of friends and the glue that connected the Class of 1991. His Catholic faith served as his moral compass, guiding his decisions and grounding his actions throughout his life. For 34 years, Anthony served his country both in and out of uniform. His larger-than-life personality will forever resonate in the hearts of his family and in the memories of all who knew him.
Anthony epitomized the all-American spirit. Born in Ohio to Barbara and Joseph DeToto, he was raised in Perrysburg and attended Perrysburg High School. There, he excelled both academically and athletically, making his mark on the football and basketball teams. As a two-way starter on the football team, he helped lead the team to an impressive 19-1 record during his junior and senior years. Jeff Snell, one of Anthony’s high school teammates, recalls: “Anthony was a stud—loved by all his teammates and feared by our opponents. I loved him like a brother.”
Anthony’s standout performance in high school caught the attention of several colleges, and he chose to attend West Point to play for the Black Knights. At the USMA Prep School, he distinguished himself as a wide receiver. His Beast Barracks experience in the summer of 1987 highlighted his physical prowess. Though recruited to play football, Anthony discovered his true passion on the rugby field. He became a legendary scrumhalf for West Point Rugby, a team that was the most successful in the program’s history at the time of his graduation, with two undefeated regular seasons and three consecutive trips to the national rugby Final Four, including a second-place finish in his senior year. Lance Kohler, Anthony’s rugby teammate, remembers him as “a fierce competitor and loyal teammate—always pushing you to be better or work harder and the first to offer a hand when you needed it.”
Commissioned as a combat engineer officer, Anthony served in Germany, commanding two platoons and an engineer company. He deployed to Kuwait in 1993 with the 3rd Infantry Division. Under his leadership, one of his platoons was recognized as the best engineer platoon in Germany, earning Anthony the nickname “Hero of Hohenfels.”
A proud West Point graduate and self-described “Gray Hog,” Anthony had an extensive network of friends across multiple classes, spanning from 1964 to 2019. His connections extended to the Navy and Air Force academies, where he was unofficially known as West Point’s ambassador.
In 1997, Anthony met Sandy in Chicago. Their connection was instant, and after only a few dates Anthony was overheard on an open phone line saying that she was the kind of girl you marry. They went on to get in engaged in Venice, Italy and married in 1999. The two lived in Chicago, San Francisco, and Dallas, where their eldest son, Joe, was born. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Houston, where they completed their family with their son Jack. From 1999 until his untimely passing, Anthony excelled in the private wealth management industry with Merrill Lynch, Sentinel Trust, and Bank of America. Nationally recognized as one of the top-40 young professionals under 40 in private wealth management, his greatest pride was his family. Anthony cherished his sons, Joe and Jack, often sharing their playful banter about Navy and Air Force before the annual football games. He coached them in various sports and, more importantly, in life, instilling in them the values of “Duty, Honor, Country.” Four years after his passing, his classmates observe that his family continues to thrive, a testament to the strong moral foundation he built with them.
Anthony’s faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his character. A devoted member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Houston, he helped found the Cristo Rey Jesuit School for underprivileged children in the city and supported Catholic charities nationwide.
A loyal patriot, Anthony continued his service as a member of the National Guard and Army Reserve. He served as president of the West Point Societies in San Francisco and Dallas, was on the board of directors of the Folded Flag Foundation, and founded 1836, a Houston-based organization supporting military veteran entrepreneurship. In 2017, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy appointed Anthony as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the East Texas Region, valuing his insight and often seeking his advice. Anthony is buried just yards from the Old Cadet Chapel—a fitting tribute to a lifelong Gray Hog.
Anthony’s legacy endures in Sandy, Joe, and Jack. He led by example, inspiring those around him to strive for greatness. It is truly said, “Well done, Anthony J. DeToto. Rest in peace.”
— Classmate