Motorcyclist Killed In Escambia Crash

February 17, 2018

A Friday night crash claimed the life of an Alabama man on new Warrington Road near Martha Avenue.

The Florida Highway Patrol said 61-year old Anthony DiCenso of Elberta, AL, was traveling on a Harley motorcycle on New Warrington Road. The FHP report states 38-year old Christopher Sullivan of Pensacola pulled his Toyota 4Runner away from a stop sign into DiCenso’s path about 7:25 p.m.

Censo was transported to Baptist Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.

The Florida Highway Patrol said charges are pending the outcome of their investigation.

Editor’s note: The Florida Highway Patrol report identified the driver as Anthony Censo, but multiple family members tell us his last name was DiCenso.

Comments

47 Responses to “Motorcyclist Killed In Escambia Crash”

  1. Cliff toussaint on November 20th, 2023 10:23 pm

    I went to school with his son, him and I were great friends, I don’t recall meeting his dad; if his son was anything like him I’m positive I would have liked him. See y’all one day. Love you all

  2. Donal Frigerio. HTCS(SW). RET on March 8th, 2019 10:40 pm

    Tony worked for me on first ab on board USS Bradley in 1978. He was a crazy Fireman that I t oh totally respected. Hated when he left the Navy a d loved he returned. The Navy definitely benefited. Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate

  3. Hildy Beeson on March 14th, 2018 6:43 pm

    Vale Tony DiCenso. You will always be a fondly remembered classmate.

  4. Mary Tierney on February 27th, 2018 1:15 pm

    I worked with Tony in Owego, NY, and wish to extend my sympathy to his family and friends. It was always a pleasure to be around him. He was a pretty cool guy! My son, Chris, stayed in touch with Tony and really admired him. Chris mentioned the other day that he was almost finished building an exact model of Tony’s helicopter with all the correct decals including the one with Tony’s name. He will not be forgotten.

    RIP Tony.

  5. Jon Morgan on February 23rd, 2018 3:39 pm

    RIP Tony D.

    *clink*

    Jon
    AH #105

  6. Shiela Bryant on February 22nd, 2018 10:39 pm

    Thanks Robin for your call although Tony and I never spoke after our divorce. I di pray for your children and current wife that God might wrap his arms around you and keep you all safe and guide you through your grief. We had rocky time but never wish ill on ya. Even when i saw ya at bike week some 15 years ago. Fellow Harley rider.
    Brian Christie sorry for your loss, too.
    Love Yor Ex

  7. spacecrite (BillC) on February 20th, 2018 7:40 pm

    RIP Tony D. You were a role model to us all. I most remember your stories of after you retired from the .mil How you put everything you had into becoming a surgical nurse (max use of the GI bill), then found out an old man’s bladder wasn’t up to snuff for a 5 hour surgery. The P’cola post hurricane story made me whince. Even retired, you knew your duty to your dad and the community. Your bout as a pest exterminator (with extreme prejudice) had me in stitches. I still want one of those badass bb guns. Lisa and I loved to see you at Roger’s etc. We were thinking about you just the other day. You will be missed.

  8. Steven J Bates on February 20th, 2018 7:16 pm

    RIP, TONY one of the many great families that grew up together in lakehurst NJ.
    MY OLDER Brothers friend, so sad that people don’t always recognize motorcycle on the road. GOD BLESS and comfort his friends family and loved ones

  9. Steve Benoist on February 20th, 2018 5:24 pm

    RIP Tony


    Waro

  10. Doug Robbins on February 20th, 2018 3:40 pm

    I was fortunate to be Tony’s Commanding Officer flying SH-60B’s off the final production line in Owego, NY prior to fleet deliveries. He was technically astute, talented, a top notch crewman and without a doubt the very best crewman I ever had the pleasure to fly with. It’s a true honor to have had the association of such a patriot and a great American. RIP my friend.

  11. Ralph Tapia on February 20th, 2018 1:48 pm

    Tony, we’ll miss you. I’ll pray for you, Leona, and your childrens. We had good times together in Owego, NY when you were there. I had never had a friend quite like you, sleep well my good friend.

  12. Tabitha Sostre on February 20th, 2018 1:21 am

    My daughter is Navy FMF, qualified rescue swimmer, and just completed A School. My prayers be with your family and friends. HOOYAH!

  13. Charlie townsend on February 19th, 2018 3:31 pm

    Tony touched many lives in his short life and always in a positive way. He lived life to the fullest at all times. Never was a time he said no to someone who needed him. He taught so many young sailors to fly safe, be the best and honor those that came before them. Only AW that ever was a maintenance controller. I met Tony in the early 80s, great time to be in the helicopter business. We worked hard and played harder. Tony loved life and Jackie and I loved Tony, Ride on brother, till we meet again!

  14. just sayin on February 19th, 2018 9:19 am

    Did not know this man what so ever but after reading all of these comments I wish I did. Sounds like he has touched a lot of lives for the good. May he rest in peace.

  15. Terry Blackburn on February 18th, 2018 7:35 pm

    RIP Master Chief! Greatest mentor an AW could ever have! You are missed already! Fair winds and following seas brother! Till we meet again!

  16. Timmy Dunaway on February 18th, 2018 4:08 pm

    Rest In Peace Master Chief, AW, and fellow veteran Aircrewman brother, and Rescue Swimmer! Fly high and continue on the eternal mission! I’m honored to have known you as my Senior Chief a AW “A” school at the start of my career of becoming an AW! My sincerest condolences and prayers for your families, civilian, AW’s, and veterans who had the honor of knowing you, and serving with you!

  17. Suzette Sabie on February 18th, 2018 3:03 pm

    I grew up in Lakehurst NJ as well as Tony . I remember him and his family well ! Thoughts and prayers to his family . God Bless His Soul ….. R.I.P. brother

  18. Barbara Grim on February 18th, 2018 2:56 pm

    Always a remarkable and to a wonderful, deserving shipmate and friend. My tears are unending. Rest In Peace oh worthy one, sweet Tony.

  19. Craig Stewart on February 18th, 2018 1:38 pm

    We had so much fun growing up together. I will miss your great sense of humor and friendship. The world will not be the same without you R.I.P. love ya Cuz! Craig Stewart

  20. Enough on February 18th, 2018 1:29 pm

    So sad to hear he passed. I didn’t know him however I came up on this accident shortly before 1st responders arrived. I sure thought he was going to make it. My next concern is how many more people have to lose their life at this intersection before the county creates a solution. So many people have died or have been injured here. I for one totaled my car at this same spot. Its bad. Its hard see vehicles much less motorcycles here…there needs to be lighting here…idk maybe a stop light somehow? I just know enough is enough and something needs to be corrected…my thoughts and prayers go out to the deceased family and friends and also Mr. Sullivan who was very distraught and I know is so sorry for what happened. RIP Tony!

  21. Robert Holloway (Houston) on February 18th, 2018 1:03 pm

    I can’t believe it. DiCenso was one of those guys that you will always remember. I only knew him from his time at A school but he always led from the front with this contagious energy that found you doing more than you thought you could. Rest In Peace brother and enjoy the view from that big H-3 in the sky or rocking in the cradle of the deep.

  22. Tim Holland on February 18th, 2018 12:57 pm

    Never met him, but his name was infamous in the AW community. Some may remember him from his appearance in The Hunt for Red October. Notice the name written across the front of his helmet.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O33FK3xWFRU

  23. Janice Fagan on February 18th, 2018 7:54 am

    I was very sad to hear this:. I’ve know Tony and his family from Lakehurst where we were neighbors and he grew up: this is such a tragedy. So sorry for his family mom, Helen and sister Ellie. RIP Tony.

  24. jeff and nancy craig on February 18th, 2018 7:48 am

    rest in peace cuz. you will be missed

  25. Josh Shoob on February 18th, 2018 7:41 am

    This man is a true legend… Rest easy Mr. Tony.

  26. John Pavlik on February 18th, 2018 7:26 am

    I Knew Tony Since we were teenagers in Lakehurst. We met up again later in life . He went Navy and I went Army. Great person and friend. RIP Tone.

  27. Calvin qualls on February 18th, 2018 6:37 am

    I lost my good friend to a young lady that was on her phone came off the ramp on davis getting over on him he took evasive action to avoid being hit and ran into the back of a van and lost his life as well if your driving please watch out for motorcycles tony isaac your truly missed and the guy that just lost his live i would. Like to give my condolences to his family

  28. Joe Pilsl on February 18th, 2018 6:12 am

    One of the finest, and will sorely be missed. Though we parted ways years ago ALL of us are brothers, and stand arm in arm. Raise a glass- till we fly again, Tony!

  29. Jeff Wilson on February 18th, 2018 1:33 am

    Tony was a mentor and one heckof a AW who will be greatly missed. My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of sorrow.

    R.I.P. Tony, we have the watch.

  30. Spike kickstart Johnson on February 17th, 2018 11:25 pm

    RIP Tony D

  31. Alice Loonam on February 17th, 2018 8:48 pm

    He was such a nice person to know and a wonderful friend,He will be missed alot. Alice Loonam,A friend from Lakehurst.

  32. Camilla DiCenso on February 17th, 2018 8:06 pm

    Rest in Peace cuz Tony D. DiCenso Love You. Also his name is spelled DiCenso.Please correct it. Gone but not forgotten.

  33. A. Alex on February 17th, 2018 7:41 pm

    When you pull out from a stop sign and it kills a motorist, maybe we should charge you with a felony. Specially if you kill a cyclist.

  34. Everett Houghton on February 17th, 2018 7:28 pm

    Fair winds and following seas shipmate!
    Great man and great leader.

  35. John Watson on February 17th, 2018 7:07 pm

    Rest In Peace brother.

  36. Casey Vitali on February 17th, 2018 6:51 pm

    Tony was one of those people that is one of kind when you come across him.. He was the sweetest funniest and most awesome person. I cant even explain how special he is.. And his wife is in my prayers.

    He was way to special to lose and I am so sad that this has happened. Love you Tony.. Your loved and already missed by all if us

  37. Daniel Gilley on February 17th, 2018 6:25 pm

    I’m saddened to hear this. A fellow rescue swimmer and mentor. He was there for me during hard times. Peace brother

  38. David Howard AWC retired on February 17th, 2018 5:31 pm

    I have known Tony for many many years, from Combat SAR School back in 1987 or 88. I just talked to him about a month ago, (for the first time in years) a very unique individual that would do anything for a brother. Love and prayers to his family, he will be truly missed.

  39. John Kalusa on February 17th, 2018 3:56 pm

    Tony D. Legendary as we all are in our own mind…, Tony D. Really was… a legend.

    No words will ease the pain, but the collective hearts of AWs who knew him mourn for a moment, raise a glass in honor and remember him well…

    So Others May Live

    Peace to his family…

  40. Kevin McNease on February 17th, 2018 3:19 pm

    Fair Winds and Following Seas Master Chief Dicenso. We have the watch.

  41. Jesse Roberts on February 17th, 2018 3:19 pm

    Tony DiCenso was a a mentor and friend to many of the Rescue Swimmers in the Navy. He was a Master Chief Aircrew Rescue Swimmer and after 30 years he retired and became a civilian Rescue Swimmer School Instructor in Pensacola Fl. He was a front runner of our community. He loved life and what he did. He was taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers go out to your daughter. You will be missed my friend.

  42. Bo on February 17th, 2018 3:11 pm

    I was one of the many that had the chance to work for Tony… He was a great American and an even better leader. His focus was always… Family…. Navy… Country and that is something rare these days… Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate… you are going to be missed!

    AWRCS Bodenbender
    Retired. USN

  43. Brent Strahm on February 17th, 2018 2:45 pm

    I also knew Tony from back in the day at HS-10, so this news hits home very hard. Prayers out to the family, God bless -

  44. Patriot on February 17th, 2018 12:42 pm

    This is Tony DiCenso, not Censo. He was a friend and a shipmate. Tony was a retired Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, and a Master Chief Petty Officer.
    It’s a shame that our legislators don’t have the guts to toughen up the penalty for killing motorcyclists.
    Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate….

    AMCS JZ

  45. LEONA DICENSO on February 17th, 2018 11:15 am

    This was my daughter’s daddy and his last name DiCenso.

  46. Bob Haack on February 17th, 2018 10:21 am

    Words can’t makeup for any loss. Only knew Tony for a short time, a terrific person. We were AW brothers he was rotary myself fixed wing.
    God bless you Tony RIP.

  47. Diane Ritchie on February 17th, 2018 9:49 am

    Rest In Peace Tony ❤️ DiCenso
    Please update his last name- that is not correct in your article. He was a childhood friend of mine. Gone way to soon