Anthony A. Kolonich 1942-2021

He was born in Warren on May 17, 1942, the son of the late Andrew M. Kolonich and Anna M. Bosnak Kolonich.

He graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, Class of 1960, worked as an automotive machinist at Ward’s Auto Parts and 35 years at Packard Electric as a production supervisor.

Throughout life, Tony enjoyed tinkering with engines big and small.

Tony earned an associate and Bachelor of Arts degree from Kent State University. He entered the United States Army in 1961. Tony served in post-war Korea as a Sergeant – Team Chief, Second Missile Battalion and 71st ADA Soldier of the Month, in Korea. His service was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Expert Carbine and Marksman Rifle.

Tony was a member of the Girard American Legion No. 235, Veterans of Foreign Wars at Large and Disabled American Veterans.

Tony exhibited an outstanding level of service and leadership amongst officials and young athletes, especially those of the Howland Athletic Club. He coached soccer, baseball and softball.

He served as the former Howland Athletic Club Trustee and league director and as the Howland Booster Club Trustee soccer liaison. Tony was passionate about officiating and had the credentials to back up his calls. He was a certified Ohio High School Referee, Ohio High School Certified Instructor, USSF Soccer Referee and the United States Soccer Federation Assistant State Director of Instruction -Youngstown District, Ohio North. Tony joined the Mahoning Valley Soccer Officials and became President of the High School Soccer Division – Executive Member.

He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Ohio State Athletics, Notre Dame Football, Howland Boys Soccer, UConn women’s basketball and most of all, the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Not to mention, he was the biggest fan of any team on which his granddaughters played.

He loved traveling, especially to the Western states of the U.S. He traveled to 44 of 50 U.S. states and proclaimed his ultimate journey was visiting the National Parks. He loved spending time with his granddaughters and seeing all that they achieved. Tony worked on his home and in his yard. He was a great cook and took pleasure in modifying recipes to his taste.

Tony is survived by his son, Michael (Erin) Kolonich of Copley and daughter, Barbara (Peter) Fontaine of Enfield, Conn.; two amazing granddaughters, Jessica Fontaine, DPT, and Abigail Kolonich; siblings, Pauline (Richard) Paul, Gloria (John ) Bragg and Ronald (Cathy) Kolonich; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Anthony A. Kolonich was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Gloria E. Kolonich, who departed in April of 2018.

A Mass of Christian burial will be will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at 12:15 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, Ohio 44483. Friends and family may call one hour before the Mass, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to American Legion www.legion.org/donate or the Disabled American Veterans www.dav.org/ways-to-give/.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneral home.com.

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