Anthony “Tony” N. Walczak, known affectionately to friends and family as Kicker or Big Tony, passed away at his home in Pine Grove Mills, PA surrounded by family on November 7, 2024. Born on June 28, 1950, in Cleveland, OH, Tony’s gentle, patient, funny, and unselfish nature touched the lives of many throughout his 74 years.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents Josephine Coffaro Walczak and Anthony J. Walczak. He is survived by his siblings, Debbie (Tom) Seggio, John Walczak, Gary Walczak, and Paul Walczak (Karen Smith).
Finding his soulmate in Shari Schartman Walczak, Tony built a life filled with love and partnership. He was a devoted father to son, Anthony L. Walczak, a proud second dad to his daughters, Lisette “Lisa” LaMarca Hickok (Kris) and Avis Kirk O’Donnell (Brian), and loving grandfather to Tyler (Hannah) Hickok and Kara Hickok, who will forever treasure the memories of their “Papa”.
In 1977, Tony and his best friend and business partner, Paul Newfeld, opened their first Paul & Tony’s Stereo store in Athens, Ohio, eventually relocating to State College in 1981. The shop quickly became a community landmark, known not only for its quality products but also for its customer friendly service.
As we bid farewell to Tony, we celebrate a life well lived with love and laughter. We will especially remember with fondness his love of fishing and how much he treasured his annual trips to Canada with his lifelong friends. His spirit will continue to live on through the stories told, the music played, and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, none more than his beloved beagle, Bailey – leaving behind a legacy of love.
A gathering of family and friends to honor and celebrate Tony’s life will be held at The Mount Nittany Overlook Event Center, 559 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, PA on Saturday, November 16 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nittany Beagle Rescue https://www.nittanybeaglerescue.org or Centre County PAWS at https://www.centrecountypaws.org.
Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.