On October 28th, 2023, the EMS community lost a true beacon of dedication, compassion, and
leadership.
Anthony “Tony” Del Cuda was born on April 3rd, 1969 in Swissvale, Pennsylvania. From humble beginnings, Tony left behind a legacy of unparalleled contributions and impact, serving as a benchmark for excellence and a source of inspiration for generations to come. From a young age, Tony had always dreamed of becoming a first responder and as a testament to his decorated career, he accomplished that and beyond by setting the standard for what it means to be excellent.
At the age of 16, Tony began his career by joining the Swissvale Fire Department as a firefighter. He then became a paramedic at the age of 18, beginning what would be almost 40 years of incredible service and dedication to EMS. He first joined Wilkinsburg EMS (now Eastern Area Prehospital Services) in April 1987, where he was later promoted to Crew Chief. He became a St. Margaret Hospital’s response paramedic in 1991 at the age of 22, providing critical assistance to crews in the surrounding areas. In addition, Tony became the Chief Officer of Seneca Area EMS in 1991, where he would serve for 15 years. In 1992, Tony joined Penn Hills EMS, where he would work as a paramedic for 23 years, becoming an integral part of the community and memorable member of the service, even to this day. Tony also worked as a firefighter and paramedic for Monroeville Fire for 6 years and was a life member of Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). Other notable organizations Tony served at include East Ambulance, Medline Ambulance Service, and Guardian Angel Ambulance Service.
Tony continued to expand his reach within this field in 2017, when he became a response medic for Northwest EMS, where he served in a supervisor role. From 2013 through 2023, Tony served as a response medic for AHN Prehospital Services, expanding his expertise and leadership to Westmoreland County. In March 2020, Tony joined Foxwall EMS as Deputy Chief and in August 2020, Tony became the Chief of Department. In the short three years Tony served as Chief at Foxwall, he transformed the service from a historically volunteer-based and largely basic life support (BLS) service to a fully staffed advanced life support (ALS) service that continuously rises to meet the needs of the community. In 2023, with Tony’s guidance and support, Foxwall proudly announced 8 newly certified paramedics.
In addition to Tony’s immense contributions working in the field, Tony was an educator that inspired students to reach their potentials as providers, emphasizing principles of clinical excellence, patient advocacy, and compassion. From 2010 to 2013, Tony was the simulation education specialist at West Penn’s STAR Center, where he developed curriculum and innovated realistic simulations for health care providers. From 1999 and through his most recent 2023 graduating paramedic class, Tony served as the program coordinator of ALS Programs at the Public Safety Institute of Community College of Allegheny County, where he supervised more than 70 program instructors and course coordinators. From his very first class to his last, while the curriculum evolved to meet new standards of care, Tony’s core teachings of what it means to be a paramedic never changed. He proudly instilled that the best paramedics are the ones that never stop learning. In addition, the best part is not necessarily in the medicine one gets to practice but the privilege of learning the patient’s story and the human connections one makes along the way. He would always say, “Medic class teaches you enough to not kill a patient…the patients you will encounter will take you the rest of the way.”
Throughout all the titles and roles Tony held, he was, above all, a steadfast mentor who unwaveringly believed in all his students, employees, colleagues, friends, and family. When others doubted, Tony believed. As a fearless advocate and pillar of support, he not only offered guidance but was a true champion of many dreams, enabling those he believed in to overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential. The passion and immense support he exhibited as a mentor undoubtedly stemmed from his love of family. Tony was the beloved husband of Michele of 16 years; loving father of Zachary, Morgan, Shannon, Caitlyn, and Kirsten; dear brother of James Ruscella and Janelle Hood; proud soon to be grandfather of Anthony Robert Cuda; and cherished uncle of many nieces and nephews. Tony was their biggest advocate and supporter, and despite all the responsibilities he held, he carved out time to spend with family from days spent at Kennywood, evenings playing Dungeons and Dragons, and nights filled with stories and laughs. In his free time, Tony indulged in his love of history and reading, including classics like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Eragon. The Pittsburgh community suffered a great loss on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, but the memories, teachings, and contributions of Chief Cuda will
forever remain through his family, friends, and countless lives he influenced and shaped.