Deacon Tony Underwood named recipient of Catholic Foundation’s Cornerstone Award

By Carissa Krautscheid 

Every fall, the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson recognizes a member of the Catholic community who goes above and beyond in serving the religious, charitable, or educational needs of our Catholic communities across Southern Arizona. The Cornerstone Award has become the highest recognition bestowed by the Diocese of Tucson and the Catholic Foundation. With more than a dozen nominations for this year’s Cornerstone Award, the 2024 recipient is Deacon Tony Underwood, pastoral administrator at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Bisbee, Arizona. 

That said, who is Deacon Tony Underwood and why is he receiving this prestigious award? 

Long before Bisbee or the diaconate, Tony was born in a small Indiana town and received his first two sacraments there. Much of his father’s family lived there, which yielded many “wonderful memories as family life in this small town was very good” for Tony and his four siblings. He recalls “plenty of small pond fishing, picnics, camping, and various family events including many visits with my grandparents.” 

In middle school, Tony’s family moved to Texas, where his mother’s family lived, “Living there gave me the opportunity to know and grow relationships with aunts, uncles, and cousins from her side of the family. Our family activities were about the same as in Indiana, except we now had a huge Gulf of Mexico to fish and have fun with.” 

Then in high school, Tony and his family moved to Douglas, Arizona, “where I met and married the love of my life, Jackie Howard. We were both 15 years old,” he recalled. Six years later, Tony and Jackie were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Douglas. They recently celebrated their 45th marriage anniversary. “Marrying Jackie is one of the smartest decisions I have made in life,” said Tony. “She is my partner, adviser, counselor, spiritual director, and friend. She keeps my feet grounded and heart open. My ministry as deacon is fruitful due in part to her support and blessings she lives in our marriage. I see so much good in her. And who is good? God is good.” 

Jackie and Tony have three daughters, Amanda, Tiffany, and Ramona: “Two by birth, one who came to live with our family in her teens and never left. They have blessed us with seven wonderful grandchildren, whom we love dearly and do our very best to spoil! I could not be prouder of our girls as they serve in professions that heal, teach/nurture, and protect the people we are all called to love and serve.” 
Their children attended Immaculate Heart Academy in Tucson, where Jackie worked as administrative assistant to the principal for over 20 years. “I was a very active father, volunteering and supporting any and all events, activities, and fundraisers,” said Tony. “We believed strongly in the value of Catholic education and did our best to always support and grow it.” Tony served as president of the parents’ association, developed endearing friendships, and witnessed the growth of the school from one classroom to three campuses. “These were very good years for our family that not only strengthened the presence of Catholic education in Northwest Tucson, but our faith and family bonds as well.” 

The Underwoods were very active parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (SEAS), where they “supported the good work being lived out by this wonderful faith community.” Tony joined the Knights of Columbus at SEAS and became a Fourth Degree Knight. “I learned a lot about service and my faith from these men. It was at SEAS that I developed my love for Liturgy. The priests, deacons, and lay leaders were so good for me to work with and learn from. We celebrated many beautiful liturgies at SEAS, thanks to their commitment and love for the Lord.” In 1991, while Tony was Grand Knight of Council 8077 at SEAS, his council was recognized as Arizona’s Council of the Year. Simultaneously, Deacon Tony was recognized as Arizona’s Grand Knight of the Year. 

In 2000, Jackie and Tony moved to Bisbee, Arizona, to help manage Jackie’s parents’ travel business while they needed support during medical treatment. “I did not know anything about the travel business,” said Tony. “They assured me that I would learn and that what was important was my loyalty to family, knowing that decisions would be good for the business and always what was best for my family. I accepted the opportunity and this decision concluded 23 years in aerospace for me.” 

Three years later, Tony was ordained a deacon by Bishop Gerald Kicanas. “I look back and feel my ‘call’ to the diaconate was a nudge from the Lord that began early in my life,” said Tony. “A nudge that just kept guiding me and my decisions in the direction He had planned. My work in ministry at SEAS placed me into the company of wonderful, committed deacons causing me to sharpen my discernment and to ponder, ‘Lord, is this what you have been leading me to?’ I knew the answer and it was confirmed when one day our pastor, Fr. Tom Millane, approached me and asked if I would consider the diaconate. Formation, ordination, and ministry followed, placing me on a path of service that increases daily my love for the Lord and His people.” 

Deacon Tony was assigned to St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Michael Mission. He became pastoral administrator in 2006. “My role is best lived by offering encouragement and opportunity for folks, parishioners and non-parishioners alike, and then getting out of their way to engage the gifts and talents God has blessed them with as they serve and grow strong our parish and greater Bisbee-Naco community. We have an extraordinary group of spirit-filled of people who inspire me daily. They are beyond wonderful!” 

The Catholic Foundation notes that “during his tenure, Deacon Tony oversaw the $180,000+ restoration of Saint Michael Mission in Naco, a true gem for the Cochise Vicariate, as well as the $500,000+ restoration of Saint Patrick Parish’s century-old stained-glass windows.” 

In his off time, Deacon Tony loves to tend his geranium garden. “This gives me much satisfaction and peace,” he said. “I truly feel this time spent so directly working with creation is intimate time with our beloved Creator.” 

Bishop Edward Weisenburger congratulated Deacon Tony, “I have observed Deacon Tony as his Bishop and seen him do wonderful, generous, loving work for the Church. This man has gone above and beyond his ministry. He is an inspiration spiritual director, actively promotes stewardship as both a practical and spiritual act, is very involved in his local and Church communities, and looks at every small detail as an opportunity to encounter Christ. Deacon Tony is known for making himself available to serve in any way that allows strangers and friends to encounter Christ. Deacon Tony cares deeply for each member of his parish community by embodying the selflessness and love that lies at the core of the Catholic faith.” 

When Deacon Tony heard that he would be the recipient of the Cornerstone Award, he recalls being in total shock and still feeling undeserving. “I really do not like being recognized or highlighted,” he said. “I prefer the attention goes to our parishioners and others who do so much in service to the Lord. They are the reason we are a thriving vibrant faith community. Our success is due to them and the good they live each and every day. What a blessing they are and continue to be. They make real one of my favorite mottos: We are in the ‘people’ business, and the name of the person is Jesus Christ - serve.” 

Bishop Kicanas shared, “Tony is so deserving of this recognition on behalf of the Catholic Foundation and the Diocese of Tucson. The people in Bisbee love Deacon Tony, as does all of our community here at the Diocese. Congratulations, Tony, and many blessings!” 

The Catholic Foundation will be awarding Deacon Tony Underwood the Cornerstone Award at its 42nd annual Cornerstone Gala on Friday, September 27, 2024. All are invited! For more information, please visit www.cathfnd.org/cornerstone-gala/.