Obituary of Anthony J Szklany

Anthony J. Szklany, age 84, died peacefully on June 7, 2022after a short illness.  Tony was a 1956 graduate of Saunders Trades and Technical High School in Yonkers, New York, and was still in touch with classmates.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1956, spending 2 years stationed in Jacksonville, Florida as an Electrician.  He would often share stories of his days in the service – a carefree and happy time in his life. His philosophy was to volunteer for everything – that was how the great opportunities would present themselves.

In 1958 he returned to Yonkers, NY and met a young nursing student, Diana.  Married in 1960, he built his first home there, and then moved to Danbury, the place he would call home for the rest of his life.  His professional career of 34 years was with the New York Telephone Company, where his remarkable work ethic was demonstrated by almost never missing a day of work.  A career highlight was in managing the telephone communications for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.  Retiring at 55, he said goodbye to the long commutes and enjoyed a more relaxed twilight years working as a ranger at Richter Park Golf Course and as a driver for Volkswagon, enjoying many hobbies including woodcarving and ham radio.

A life well lived, Tony will be remembered by those who loved and respected him as a doer: he could figure out anything electrical or mechanical and no task was too daunting.  He put his family first, unapologetically.  He embraced new technology – VHS, IBM computers, microwave ovens, YouTube; Tony believed in the future.  He loved animals, especially his dogs and cats.  No one who knew Tony hadn’t heard his stories about his beloved pets, who will be waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge. 

Tony is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diana, and their three children:  Anthony Paul Szklany, Richard Szklany and Susan Melucci and three grandsons Anthony Szklany, Alex Szklanyand Quinn Melucci.  Services will take place at Brookfield Funeral Home at 786 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT on Friday, June 10, 2022 from 4pm – 7pm. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 9:00 am at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in New Milford, Ct.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude, an organization that was dear to him.