Mission: Vivere back at El Tour to honor Anthony, a courageous fighter

For Anthony Starace, “Vivere” was more than a word; it was a reminder to live fully, even though life’s hardest moments.

Now, his legacy and commitment to serving others live on through the Vivere Foundation, one of the nonprofit organizations participating in El Tour de Tucson.

A Tucson native, Anthony served seven years in the U.S. Army and rose to the rank of Captain, serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Korea and also was a logistics officer for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at Arlington National Cemetery.

After leaving the military, Anthony was diagnosed with brain cancer and began a 3 1/2-year battle with the disease. Throughout his treatment, he experienced firsthand the importance of having a strong support system, particularly through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When Anthony once asked his doctor what he should do after his diagnosis, the answer was simple: “You need to just live.” That message became “Vivere,” Italian for “to live,” and eventually a motto embraced by Anthony and his family.

Anthony passed away in May 2024, but the Vivere Foundation continues the values he carried throughout his life: authenticity, resilience, honor, humility and service. The organization is dedicated to supporting veterans and developing future military leaders, especially those who continue to persevere through challenges while choosing to serve others and their country.

Through its involvement with El Tour de Tucson, the Vivere Foundation has another opportunity to carry Anthony’s spirit of service forward and encourage others to live with purpose.

If you’d like to learn more about Anthony’s story and Mission Vivere, you can visit their website: https://www.missionvivere.com/