Anthony William “Tony” Miele, Sr., age 100, of Madison, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026.
Born February 12, 1926, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Tony was the son of Harry Miele and Louise Casale. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Miele.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth “Liz” Miele; his four children, two sons, Anthony (Duff) Miele, Jr., and John Miele, and two daughters, Theresa (Terri) Jones and Elizabeth (Beth) Dobers; three granddaughters, Kellie Jones, Ashley Kendall, and Dr. Lauren Dasher; and two great-grandchildren, Breton and Blakely Kendall.
A proud World War II veteran, Tony served honorably in the United States Navy. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University and his master’s degree in library science from the University of Pittsburgh. He went on to a distinguished career in public service, serving as Director of the Alabama State Library, Director of the Arizona State Library, and Assistant Director of the Illinois State Library.
Tony lived in Illinois, Arizona, and Alabama and held a special love for the Arizona desert and southwest culture. Above all, he cherished his family and considered his children his greatest accomplishment.
Tony enjoyed golf, family vacations, music, and playing the saxophone. He was also known for baking his beloved Italian pizzelles during the holidays and sharing them with family and friends.
A visitation will be held on July 2, 2026, in the Chapel at St. John The Baptist Catholic Parish, 1055 Hughes Road, Madison, Alabama, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m, followed by Mass and a reception with refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project
Tony will be remembered for his loyalty, generosity, kindness, and devotion to family. As a member of America’s Greatest Generation, he represented a century of resilience, service, and strength. His was truly a life well lived, and he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
