"To the family of Tony?..prayers and hugs to his parents and family?. Such a handsome man?..our hearts feel your sadness?.. to lose 2 sons how heartbreaking?..prayers and thoughts are with your family! ?"
In loving memory of
ANTHONY "TONY" J. KEREKES
March 28, 1971 - December 19, 2020
Anthony J. "Tony" Kerekes, 49, of Marquette, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 19, 2020, surrounded by his family at his home.
He was born March 28, 1971, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Kathleen (Hubscher) Kerekes. The family relocated to Marquette in his youth and he attended Marquette schools and was a 1989 graduate of Marquette Senior High School.
Years prior, Tony had worked at the former Johnson's Sports Shop, the former Garden Room, and the former Do It Center.
He played hockey, baseball and wrestled. He had a deep love of sports and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Indians, NMU Wildcats, and Marquette Redmen. After an afternoon of cruising the Westwood Mall he would make his way next door to Big Daddys to watch the Passion Girls perform. He loved music and could sing most songs word for word, enjoying singing on stage on karaoke nights. One of his passions was pumping iron at Joe's Gym, The Y.M.C.A., and Superior Fitness. He also loved roller coasters and every summer would drive to Cedar Point with his good friend Tom Kownacki to ride their awesome coasters. Tony enjoyed going to Bay Cliff for Camp Independence in the summers. There he made many lasting friendships with staff and campers alike. You could always see Tony motoring around the upper level of the BEC during Wildcat hockey games, shooting the breeze with all he knew.
Tony will be remembered by his family and friends for his good heart, his smile that could light up the room, and as one who "loved to stir the proverbial pot." Although he struggled with a rare muscle disorder, he always managed to adapt and make it work. Not always happy with the changes but always accepting them with a smile.
Tony is survived by his parents Joe & Kathy Kerekes of Marquette; siblings, Joseph Kerekes, Ken (Shawna) Kerekes, Angela Kerekes, all of Marquette and Cindy (Mike) Collini of Raleigh, NC; he was a proud uncle to, Veda & Quinn Kerekes and McCarty McKie; and aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph & Dorothy Kerekes and Julius & Katherine Hubscher and a sister, Barbara.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from to 3 pm to 6 pm at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A service may be held at a later date.
Face masks & social distancing will be required.
Tony's family would like to thank all his caregivers, all of the staff at Bay Cliff, all of the medical professionals and U.P. Health System- Marquette, Dr. Mary Tobin Anderson for all the wonderful care he has received through the years. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tony's name to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Memories of Tony may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Joe and Kathy and family. We are just so sorry for your loss. This year was so difficult to being with, then to have this loss near the holidays, too. You have always had such a strong and admirable dedication to your family. We keep thinking of you. Our Sincere Peace to you all. BIll Carlson and Suzie Saari"
"Dear Kathy, Joe and family - We were saddened to read of Tony's passing. What a wonderful young man he was and your loving dedication to him and your family has been admired by many of us for years. He is at peace. Nancy & Dennis"
"Kathy and Joe I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord Bless you and your family and hold you in the palm of his hand during this difficult time"
"I have Many fond memories of visiting with Tony at Shaw's whenever he came in to get Gas. He kept me company through many an evening shift and I always appreciated his humor and Sunny outlook on life! "
"We send our deepest prayers and thoughts to you all. You aren?t alone so many of his friends have him in our hearts. Tom and Ruth Holmstrom "
"So sorry for the loss of Tony, especially during these times with covid and the holiday my thoughts and prayers for you. He always had a smile and will be missed. "
"Tony did indeed have an ever ready and infectious smile and lit up the room! My deepest condolences for your loss. Please know that, although he suffered much in this life, he now smiles at the Heavenly Banquet."
"Many summer memories spending time with my cousins. Tony was always my buddy, we climbed trees, rode dirt bikes, ran down sand dunes, swimming in Superior, jumping from the big rock! We used to sleep in the pop up in the driveway, he and I would sneak out in the middle of the night. Your lively fun spirit will be missed but will always be remembered. Love you all, Tracy "
"I remember dancing with Tony at Big Daddy's ,he also gave me gifts one year ,I still have them .I'll never forget his kindness he is always in my heart .Kathy Cox"
"Kathy, Joe and family, we are keeping you in our prayers at this difficult time. "
"My deepest condolences Joe and Kathy and family....peace"
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"Joe and Kathy, So sorry to read of Tony's passing. Many good memories of Tony from Joe's gym. Steve Pence"
" On behalf of Bay Cliff and all of our campers, we would like to thank Tony and his family and friends for their generosity in supporting our work. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. "
"Kathy and Joe, I wanted to send my condolences to you all. It has been a while since we saw Tony, but he was never far from my heart. Tony left us all with nothing but great memories! Tony would often frequent our store in the mall, when the mall was the place to be. Tony and Joe would come in and always bring laughter; spending most of his time being mischievous and attempting to get into trouble. He will always be remember and will be greatly missed. Please know that he is loved! Love, thoughts, and prayers. "
"Kerekes Family, I?m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the great times we had playing football, street hockey and riding bikes with Tony. His laugh was contagious, you couldn?t help but laugh along.! I wish I got to know him as a young man but I have fond memories of that great neighborhood. "
"I got know Tony many years ago when he worked out at Joe?s gym. He had ?Grit?. He also had a kind personality. We talked about many thing during those years but mostly about his Packers and Flyers! So sorry for your loss."
"Kerekes family- I am sorry for your loss. I haven?t seen Tony in many years but what stayed with me was his graceful way of handling the challenges he faced day to day. He met them head on and with a smile. Prayers and positive vibes heading your way. "
"Tony had a heart of gold. Each and every Christmas he made sure his 2 little sisters always had a Christmas from him, from his own hard earned money. He was a proud uncle, I will never forget that smile when you held my first born. Many fond memories riding go carts, snowmobiles, and canoeing in the neighbor when the river would flood. No matter what curve ball life threw at you, you adapted. I hope you can now enjoy all the activities you use to be able to accomplish, from lifting weights, to playing hockey, or wrestling. You left a mark and will be deeply missed. Love you?"
"Kathy and Joe and family, Our prayers are with you as you lay your wonderful son to rest. I know everyone will share their special memories of Tony and ours will always be of his mighty ?sucker slinging? after spearing in the Chocolay River. He threw one in the air while walking home on Timberlane and it caught by one gill on the overhead wires. We drove under it for over a year until it finally rotted off! Please know we are thinking of you here in Oregon."
"Joe, Kathy and family... I?m so sorry to hear about Tony.... It?s been a long time but I?ll always remember his light hearted attitude and kindness. Despite his challenges he always seemed to be smiling. Thoughts and prayers to you all. "
"Lots of great times with Tony driving to Cedar Point several times to ride the Coasters. Even took a side trip to Cleveland to see his beloved Cleveland Indians. Hopping on the team buses to go watch Marquette Redman Hockey even the big trips to Alpena, Traverse City, the play offs, going to NMU Wildcat Hockey and Football. Watching the Green Bay Packers win the 1996 Super Bowl at The Picture Show in the old Marquette Mall. He?d be driving and see me or see me somewhere and they we?d just be driving around doing wherever. Grabbing something to eat, going to a movie then just driving around more. He always wanted me to drive. Got to see my only live Packer game with him and his family. Absolutely amazing family always treated me like part of the family. "
" I just heard today. Tony was part of the gang from the Old Neighborhood and always will be. If I were to recall all of the fond memories I have of him and everyone else from that time, it would be a thousand page book. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kerekes family."
"Like many from Marquette I knew Tony well. I always enjoyed his personality and smile. When I worked at the music store in the mall he would visit each and every weekend. I also saw him at NMU hockey games and he always smiled and said hi. I made sure to give him crap about the Flyers in a fun way!!! I will miss him. He had a heart of gold and he will always hold a good place in my heart in many for his smiles and kindness."
"Kathy & Joe and Family, Your love for your family is so evident! When I saw the Packer rooms of Tony & Joe, I knew that you surrounded them with unending love. Your tribute to Tony is beautiful. A special memory that I have was Tony?s all-out excitement when you & the Superior Chapter of the HOGS roared into Bay Cliff each summer during Camp Independence. It started the day before the event! Thinking of you and sending prayers your way. "
"Ken, Joey, et. al, I am so sorry to hear about Tony. He was a great guy. I am so glad I got to know him - many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through these difficult times. He will be missed by many."
"Joe, Kathy and Family, I am sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I have fond memories of playing baseball with Joseph, Tony and Ken growing up in Harvey with Joe coaching and cheering us on. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ken Mattson"
"Joe and Kathy, we are so sorry for your loss. there are many thlngs to remember about Tony, most of all he was a tough hockey player, again we will pray for you and your family. Louie and Linda Rabitaille"
"So sorry for the loss of Tony. He was the light spot when you walked into Lakeview arena. He had such a contagious smile. If you were having a bad day he would certainly brighten it with his smile. He will be remembered and missed by all. "
"Joe and Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss!"
"Deepest sympathies to your entire family."
"I am so sorry to hear this, he was such a wonderful man and what a great family. Sorry for the loss. "
"I am so sorry to hear this, he was such a wonderful man and what a great family. Sorry for the loss. "
"I am so sorry to hear this, what a wonderful man and Family. I wish the best for you guys. Ed Snively"
"Tony, while I didn't get the opportunity to play baseball, hockey or football with you; I have been blessed with getting to know you over the last 16 years. It has truly been an honor spending time together watching sports, laughing and enjoying each others company! You have an infectious smile and bring an unmatched joy to those lucky enough to have crossed your noble path. I cherish the limited time we spent together and genuinely thank you for being such an incredible big brother to Cindy. Heaven is receiving a Saint and your presence in our lives will be irreplaceable ? God bless, Your brother-in-law Mike Collini"
"I love and miss you Tony! You're a great big bro. You'll never know how much I miss you already. You were always there to throw the ball with me, be my goalie on our homemade rink, throw me off the top ropes when we wrestled but mainly to make me smile. Your smile never failed to pick me up even from miles away. I know you're running like crazy now and probably lifting weights with your rap music blaring. I'm so blessed to have the time I did with you and even more honored to call you my brother! You're in my heart always. Love your little sis, Cindy Collini "