In Loving Memory of Anthony (Tony) F. Shumskas
Tony passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, after being critically ill for just over a year. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. We, the family, are delaying publication of his official obituary online and in newspapers until we have a confirmed date for his service (which may not be for some time). In the interim, if you have a photo or a story that you would like to share, please scroll to the bottom of the page. We'd love to hear from you. Please also use this form to receive updates regarding Tony's services.
Professional Life
Tony Shumskas was an accomplished engineer with a distinguished career in the United States Air Force and the defense contracting sector. Early on in his Air Force career, Tony was an aeronautical engineer who worked on satellites and rocket propulsion systems. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War. He earned his B.S. in Engineering from Penn State University and an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona.
As a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Tony was a key figure in "Management Initiatives To Steer The Software Revolution" at Headquarters Air Force Systems Command/PLR, Andrews Air Force Base, D.C.. He specialized in software acquisition and management for Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems, authoring the influential article "Applying Total Quality Management to the Software Life Cycle" in 1991, which provided practical examples for integrating TQM into software acquisition. His expertise also extended to software test and analysis, contributing to DoD policy directions.
Following his military service, Tony transitioned to the private sector, continuing his focus on Test and Evaluation (T&E). He worked for BDM (BDM International/BDM Engineering Services Company), where he co-authored a presentation on "Test and Evaluation Strategy for Evolutionary Automated Information Systems" in 1995. Subsequently, he served as a Certified Test and Evaluation Professional (CTEP) for TASC, Inc., a role he held as late as 2017, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of defense technologies. His career consistently reflected deep expertise in software engineering, quality management, and the rigorous testing of defense systems.
PERSONAL LIFE
Tony was born in Shenandoah, PA, at Locust Mountain Hospital, and grew up in Levittown, PA, the eldest of five siblings: Roseanne (Cys), Nancy, Ted, Donna, and Frank. His youth was filled with memorable moments, including a daring jump through a window to "save his sister"—scars he proudly carried as proof—and a period when his jaw was wired shut, leaving him to subsist on milkshakes. He often shared heartwarming tales of his Lithuanian grandparents, especially his beloved močiutė, Alberta, who always baked a special apple pie just for him.
A Passion for the Skies and Family
Tony's fascination with science and the Air Force began early, fueled by dreams of becoming a pilot. Though high school glasses grounded his piloting ambitions, he remained determined to contribute to the Air Force by putting "things in the sky," focusing his studies on physics and engineering. His service during the Vietnam War led him to Don Muang Air Force Base, where he met Jutamart, then a student in his English class and an employee at the officers' club. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2025. Together, they raised two children, Tony and Jangela (Angel), and cherished their three grandchildren, Tony (Kenji), Rhys, and Gabriel.
Life's Adventures and Enduring Loves
Throughout their lives together, Tony and Jutamart made homes in California, Ohio, and Maryland, often traveling to Thailand, a country they both loved, where they eventually built a retirement home. Tony was a devoted father, often taking his children on spontaneous road trips and adventures, even whisking them away to theme parks after work. He took immense pride in their achievements and celebrated every milestone. A steadfast and supportive husband, Tony championed Jutamart’s entrepreneurial spirit as she opened and operated her dress and design shop, J&T's, first in San Jose, CA, and later in Clinton, MD.
Beyond his family, Tony had a deep affection for cars, though his Ferrari Daytona held a special place in his heart as "the one that got away," eventually traded for a 308 and a Lotus Elan. He also loved a good game of golf, cherishing the memory of playing at Pebble Beach with his son. His other passions included Jazz music, college football (especially the Nittany Lions), Sci-Fi, and a profound loyalty to his country. In his later years, Easter became his favorite day, a cherished annual gathering in LBI with his three remaining siblings (Cys, Nancy, and Ted). Above all, Tony was a family man, finding his greatest joy in simply being with them—sharing meals, telling stories, and basking in their presence.
