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Anthony Michael Masciarelli was born in Valdosta, Georgia, on May 27, 1997, to Ruth Christine Burgess Masciarelli and George John Masciarelli, Jr.  After three days, he was transferred to Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville, Florida where he was diagnosed with a unique chromosomal abnormality, a partial trisomy of chromosome 19.  His parents were told to expect developmental delays medical issues and recommended him to the Babies Can’t Wait program.  Through this program, he was assisted in learning how to move, how to walk, and how to develop a way to communicate.  His parents were assisted in accessing support for services and supplies, including his specialized formula.  Anthony loved and was loved by all his therapists and everyone who supported him over the years.  His life has taught many people the meaning of unconditional love.

He had many medical procedures and therapies which he suffered through, but would always be happy again as soon as it was over. He loved musicals and started with his own 19 inch TV/VCR and graduated to multiple electronic devices entertaining him at once.  As his mother would say, “he would be watching one, while another was watching him.”  He could navigate the YouTube app on his I-Phones and I-Pads better than his parents.

Anthony lived with his parents, George and Ruth, and moved with them when they moved.  Anthony’s father, George, is a pastor with the United Methodist Church.  Anthony was baptized a Christian at First United Methodist Church in Valdosta, Georgia when he was 19 days old by Rev. Mike McAfee and witnessed by his God Parents, Marion and Clint Harris.  In his life, Anthony and his family lived in Valdosta, Nevils, Marshallville, Sparks, Statenville, Berlin, and Brinson, all in South Georgia.  He graduated from Bainbridge High School in 2019 with a special education certificate.  He then attended Georgia Pines-Decatur Seminole Service Center in Bainbridge. After which he would be picked up by his coach, Ruthie Linsey, who cared for him until his parents could pick him up on their way home each evening.

Anthony’s final gift was donating usable organs and tissues so others may continue living their life better.  Anthony had long surpassed all the expectations he was given at birth, so though his life was shortened, it was fulfilling.  He will be greatly missed.

Anthony passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital following a brief and intense illness.  He is survived by his parents, George and Ruth Masciarelli; his grandfather, Rev. Richard Burgess; his uncles & aunts, Rev. Michael Burgess, Deborah & Joel Halpern, Martin Masciarelli, Dora Masciarelli, and Anne Masciarelli; and his cousins, Michael Halpern, Shayla Masciarelli, Sierra Masciarelli, D.J. Sineath, Star Sharpe, Robert Sharpe, Precyus Jalbert, Janay Merriweather, Anna Merriweather, and second cousins, Avaiya, Korbin, and Elias Jalbert.

Memorial gifts can be made, in Anthony’s honor and memory, to Wesley Glen Ministries, 4580 North Mumford Road, Macon, GA  31210, www.wesleyglenministries.com.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home (105 N. Florida Street, Bainbridge, GA) from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. A memorial service for Anthony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, Bainbridge, Georgia (300 W. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA). A graveside funeral service will be held later in June, at the Humansville Cemetery in Humansville, Missouri, followed by family and friends gathering at the fellowship hall of the Humansville United Methodist Church (802 W. Tilden Street, Humansville, MO).

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)