Anthonius Estrella Magturo, Tony, 55, a resident of Derwood, MD, passed away Monday, October 24, 2022, at Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC after a 5-week illness.
Tony was born January 17, 1967, to Renato Leano Magturo and Thelma Villanueva Estrella, in Makati, Manila, Philippines and moved to Maryland with his family and favorite brother when he was 5 years old.
He graduated from Magruder High School, Rockville, MD, and enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Tactical/Reconnaissance Sensors and Systems Maintenance Technician and Atmospheric Engineering Technician at McClellan Air Force Base, CA and achieved the rank of Senior Airman. Upon completion of his four-year active-duty service, he returned to Derwood and enlisted in the United States Air Force, Maryland Air National Guard with 175th Fighter Group, Baltimore, MD as a Sensors and Systems Specialist.
St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Derwood, MD was his "home" church since 1977. Throughout the years, he was involved in nearly every aspect of church life at St. Luke's, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew them there.
He followed his life's calling to work in Youth Ministry and studied at Montgomery College, MD and earned his Certification in Children, Youth and Family Ministry at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA. He served in Youth Ministry at several churches for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America throughout the Metro DC and Delaware-Maryland (DEMD) Synods for over 35 years. He was working as the Youth Director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Frederick, MD at the time of his passing.
He also loved serving with the staff and youth of DEMD Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). He considered it a privilege to have mentored thousands of youths and served with Youth Leaders during his ministry and loved them unconditionally.
Pets were a special love of Tony's, and he had a unique way of connecting with them. They probably sensed his loving and caring heart. He turned that love into another lifelong passion of pet sitting for family, friends, and strangers. His social media feeds were full of daily escapades of the pets left to his charge. It was obvious that "his" pets loved him as much as he loved them.
Cooking was another of Tony's passions. He used that love of cooking to connect with people. He could cook for hundreds just as easily as he could for two. He would prepare meals for family gatherings, neighbors, or for LYO Staff before weekend retreats. If you were fortunate, he would randomly show up at your doorstep with a roast lamb or other delicious meal.
He started bowling in high school and competitively bowled locally in Maryland and in national tournaments in Nevada. Music was always a part of his life, and he enjoyed singing with praise and worship teams, choirs, and Barber Shop Quartets, and playing the piano and guitar. Growing up he loved fishing with family and friends, playing volleyball at the varsity level, and softball.
Tony was predeceased by his mother, Thelma, and his father Rene. He is survived by his brother, Narcissus E. "Narrie" Magturo, and a wealth of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, plus a multitude of friends, co-workers, and former youth who will remember him always.
Senior Airman Anthonius E. Magturo's Military Awards and Decorations include:
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (1OLC)
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal (1OLC)
National Defense Service Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award
Air Force Training Ribbon
Air Force Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Badge
Services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 107 W. Main Street, Middletown, MD on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00am. His burial will be private.