Capital District Times

Steven John Antonacci served in the United States Army and achieved the rank of E4 Specialist. He was inducted into the Army and stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina. At 19 years old, he was deployed to Vietnam with the First Field Force from 1968 to 1969.

Upon his discharge, Mr. Antonacci received numerous recognitions for his service and bravery, including the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Cold War Medal, and the RVN Campaign Medal.

On Veterans Day in 1969, Mr. Antonacci returned home to Kennedy Airport to the relief of his family, friends, and fiancée Jeanette. On April 18, 1970, he married Jeanette and they settled in Queens. Their son Steven John was born on March 25, 1973, followed by their daughter Tricia Lin three years later. In 1978, they purchased a home and moved to Sayville.

Mr. Antonacci commuted to New York City where he worked at Merrill Lynch as a foreman in the communications division of Local 3. On June 28, 1982, they welcomed another son, James Daniel.

In 1991, Mr. Antonacci retired and chose a path that allowed him to help other veterans. He became Commander of Smith-Wever Post 651 for eight years and also served as Commander of Suffolk County for one year before concluding with an additional year as Commander of Post 651. He held titles such as Adjutant of Suffolk County and Second Division Commander of Suffolk County.

Born in Brooklyn to parents John and Grace alongside his sister Theresa, Mr. Antonacci grew up in a close-knit Italian family that included grandparents who emigrated from Italy as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who celebrated holidays and special events together.

Mr. Antonacci attended Thomas Edison High School where he played basketball and received All-City honorable mention.