Obituary of Deacon Anthony V. Kijonka

Deacon Anthony V. Kijonka, Sr., “Tony”, 89, of Largo, FL, formerly of Berlin, NJ, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord surrounded by his family on January 27, 2019. Beloved husband of the late Imogene “Jean”. Loving father of Anthony Jr., Lynn Sneddon, Cindy (Allen) Lawson and Denise (John) Gock. Adored grandfather of  Robin, Wayne (Sue), Marc (Ann), Jennifer (Mark), Nicole, Karibeth (John), Jill (Dave),  Joshua, Sarra, Andrew, Rebecca, Victoria, and Sadee. Treasured great-grandfather of Wayne, Ethan, Tyler, Christopher, Kayla, Troy, Noelle, Nicholas, Makiya, Olivia, Quinnly, Lucia and Camilla; and dear great great grandfather of Laila.

Tony was a US Army career veteran of over 21 years, having been awarded the US Army Commendation Medal. He then went on to work for the Ford Motor Co. for 20 yrs. Later, he studied for, and was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Camden on October 15, 1988. His ministry assignments included the parishes of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (St. Simon Stock), Berlin, NJ, St. John Neumann, Sicklerville (Our Lady of Peace), and St. Matthew in Largo, FL. Tony was also very active in the Prison and Kairos ministries as well as his parish work; having served as Chaplain to the Bayside Prison in Leesburg, NJ. Tony maintained his military connections by continuing as an active member of the American Legion after his relocation to Florida.

Tony was an active Karaoke participant, he loved music, dancing and making people smile. He was an inspiration to many people; enjoyed counseling people toward self-improvement and participated as a grief counselor.  He devoted time to Hospice as a volunteer providing visitations to the sick and their families. An avid fisherman, he loved boating and jet skiing at his lakeside home in Virginia. He loved his very large extensive family, siblings, nieces and nephews and all the generations.  Tony lived his life modestly, but with an enormous amount of love to share.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend his viewing from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, February, 8, 2019 at St. Simon Stock Parish/Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike, Berlin NJ where his funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM with Fr. James Dabrowski presiding. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin, NJ. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, if desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate). Family, friends and those touched by Tony’s life and ministry are invited to post memories and lasting condolences for the family here on the website for the family here on the website.