With heavy hearts, we announce that Anthony John Chizmar Sr., 76, of New Port Richey, Florida, died on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, suddenly but peacefully in his own bed. He was surrounded by family and his dog Max.
Tony was born to Lawrence Sr. and Olga Chizmar on May 20, 1946, in Youngstown, OH. At 15, he met his future wife Joan at Cardinal Mooney High School. They became the best of friends, which quickly turned into a love affair. After sending many letters during his time in the Navy, they eloped on April 6, 1968, in Norfolk, Virginia at the Naval Airbase Catholic Chapel.
A successful General Contractor, he was South Florida Construction Manager for Publix Supermarkets for 25 years, earning him the well-deserved title, “The King of South Florida”. Upon retirement, it took two men to replace him. Tony was an avid golfer. He had a genuine love of music and good times, which he shared with family and friends. His prized possession was his 2008 C6 Corvette. He was a tough guy, a man’s man, the last of a dying breed.
Devout Catholic and member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, he volunteered his time as an usher.
He served in the United States Navy from 1964-1968 as a Navy Airman aboard the U.S.S. Randolph CV/CVS-15 in the Air Antisubmarine Squadron.
Survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan; siblings Lawrence Jr., David, Christine Allison, and Catherine Fercana; children Anthony Jr., Amanda Brooks, and Skye; grandchildren Hayley, Jesse, Jessie, Noah, Veronica, and Maximus; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Preceded in death by younger brother Matthew, and his best friend and beloved companion Cubby.
Memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 25 from 4:00-6:00pm at Dobies Funeral Home on Old CR 54 in New Port Richey. A Catholic Mass will be held Wednesday, April 26 at 11:00am in Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Luncheon to follow Mass, time and location TBD.
Luncheon immediately following Mass at Tony and Joni’s Home 4431 St. Lawrence Dr, New Port Richey.
Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home - Seven Springs Chapel
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Jeffery D Kruggel
April 13, 2023, 10:52 am
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mr.Tony was a VERY good friend to me.We will miss him very much.May Jesus comfort your family during this tough time.
Jeff,Angie & Chloe
The Kruggels
Leah Pitt
April 13, 2023, 3:40 pm
Many blessings to the family in these tough times. Wishing you peace and love, today, tomorrow, always! Robert and Leah Pitt
Kate Meddings
April 13, 2023, 4:26 pm
Chizmar Family,
I am very saddened by the loss of your beloved “Papa.” Tony treated me with kindness and respect and I always felt welcomed at your home.
May this be your last sorrow. God Bless and keep you all.
“Aunt” Kate.
Cindy
April 14, 2023, 12:34 am
My condolences to all of Uncle Tony’s family. Hugs as you navigate this time, and my heart is with you. He’s with my dad now together making jokes!
Andrea Clones Moran
April 14, 2023, 3:15 am
I am so sorry to hear this. Your family is very important to me. Hugs for everyone. My heart goes out to all of you.
Bobby Newman
April 15, 2023, 12:00 am
My deepest condolences go out to all on the loss of my friend Tony. He was everything that is written in his obituary, and much more. It was truly my pleasure to get to work with him for so many years. We experienced and learned a lot together. He was truly the “King of South Florida” and made sure we all knew it. His memory lives on in the lives of us all. God speed Tony.
Lorena Sikking
April 19, 2023, 10:14 pm
My condolences to your family as you face the loss of Tony. I enjoyed working with him at Publix for many years. Tony’s many tales were always entertaining. He was truly one of a kind.
Renee Hurn
April 20, 2023, 4:58 pm
My sincere condolences. I worked with Tony at Publix and traveled together multiple times as we visited stores prior to a remodel. He had great stories and was always enjoyable to be around. He was very well respected as TKOSF.
Dan Marciano
April 23, 2023, 4:32 pm
So incredibly sorry for your loss. Tony was an amazing man! We all lost a very special man 🙏
Leon Chin-you
April 24, 2023, 3:57 pm
If anyone knew what a Godfather meant it’s what Tony was to me. Always ready to lend a stern fair but very helpful hand and helped me grow personally and professionally in the industry and put me together with the right people to move forward in life. Publix was his Middle name and his reputation of getting it done was his trademark. The speed and quality of his work is to this day unmatched and life will never be the same knowing he’s not around to be my cushion of support when times get rough.
Kathie Eckle
April 30, 2023, 3:52 pm
I just heard about this on our class page. I am so sorry honey. Your heart must be shattered. We have to get together soon. Love you so much.
Cindy Sarabia
May 7, 2023, 1:53 am
Joni and family, We just learned of Tony’s passing. we are so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed his posts and shared mindset, and I know Gil and he used to email back and forth. I was at mass at St. Thomas today and I was thinking of you both, as sometimes I would see you there, unaware of what had happened. The picture is beautiful. I know the pain you must be experiencing, but for Tony to leave this world on Easter Sunday! Wow!
Cindy Sarabia