Obituary
Anthony (Tony) Ray Kujawa passed peacefully in his sleep on March 22,2024 in Englewood, FL.
Tony is survived by his wife, Beth Kujawa of Englewood,FL; his older brother George (Pat Jean deceased) Kujawa of Belleville, IL; his daughters Dana (Bill, deceased) Albertson of Spring, TX, Denise (Jim) Gielow and Theresa (Michael) Kelly, both of Pinckneyville,IL, Tammy Kujawa of Belleville, IL, Kathryn Kujawa of Englewood, FL. He is also survived by his son, Timothy, of Englewood, FL.
His grandchildren that survive him: Andrea Barton of Belleville, IL, Adam Barton, Spring, TX, Garrett (Jennifer)Kelly of Burbank, CA, Hayden (Marissa)Kelly of St. Louis,MO, Sedona Rae Kujawa and Noah Hoerl, both of Englewood, FL. Also surviving Tony are his great grandson, Kelton Ray Douglas of Belleville,IL and great-granddaughter, Ozzie Kelly of Burbank, CA. His nephew Christopher (Jennifer) Kujawa of Rochester, NH and niece, Susan (Mel) Ferlita of Madisonville, LA.
Tony was born on December 18, 1944 to George and Gladys (Bridges) Kujawa, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Tim Kujawa and Larry Kujawa and his sister Pat Kujawa.
Tony was a social man that never met a stranger. He loved talking with people, whether it be as a part of his work or someone he met at a diner. He worked as a gas station attendant and at the Blue Bell plant before becoming a union coal miner, a Safety Inspector, an organizer and an International Executive Board Member of the United Mine Worker’s of America (UMWA), representing District 12. He lived and breathed the UMWA and was a staunch supporter of other labor unions. The only thing he enjoyed more than being a union man was being a family man. He was a proud Democrat and would talk politics with anyone brave enough to do so. Tony enjoyed NASCAR, and supported the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals.
After a family gathering to inter his cremains at St. Bruno’s Catholic Cemetary, there will be a Celebration of Life in July 27, 2024 at the K of C Hall in Pinckneyville, IL from 11a-3p. All are welcome to attend to share stories, pictures, tears and laughter of this larger than life man.
The family would like to thank the staff of Aspire Healthcare ( formally Englewood Health and Rehab) and Tidewell Hospice for their care of Tony.
Memorials may be made by check to
UMWA International Relief Fund 18354 Quantico Gateway Drive
Suite 200
Triangle, VA 22172
or to
americanbrainfoundation.org
Dale & Cathy Pyatt