Anthony Gnacyk Jr.

Anthony “Tony” F. Gnacyk Jr., 96, the son of the late Anthony Francis Gnacyk Sr. and Margaret Symanski Gnacyk, departed this life on June 25, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Irene Martha Szczech Gnacyk; and his three sisters. A lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County and Glen Burnie Park since 1957, he was born and raised in Baltimore, where he attended parochial, high and trade schools, before entering the U.S. Army during World War II. During his 25 months of wartime service, he was stationed in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of Operations, and participated in the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea; Southern Philippines and Luzon campaigns. Following Japan’s surrender, he was among the first troops to occupy Japan. After he was discharged from the Army, he began work as an engineering specialist with the National Security Agency, retiring after nearly 25 years of government service.

A devout Roman Catholic, Tony was a longtime member of the Knight of Columbus Father Michael J. McGivney Council #7025, where he was active in a variety of their programs. His volunteerism earned him numerous accolades to include special recognition for his work on the Council’s Tootsie Roll sales in support of the Ruth Parker Eason School. Regardless of the weather, he was always eager to help seek donations during the annual Annapolis Boat Shows to help “God’s Special Ones”. He also served the community as a bingo caller at the Monsignor Slade Catholic School, the former Church of the Crucifixion and the Earleigh Heights Fire Dept. annual carnival.

Tony is survived by his devoted children, Patricia Gnacyk Barr and her husband, Gary, and Michael Gnacyk and his wife, Marcie; five cherished grandchildren; four beloved great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., 1 2nd Ave. SW (at Crain Hwy) on Weds., June 30th, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thurs., 10 AM, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery.