Anthony J. "Tony" Kerekes, 49, of Marquette, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 19, 2020, surrounded by his family at his home.

He was born March 28, 1971, in Toledo, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Kathleen (Hubscher) Kerekes. The family relocated to Marquette in his youth and he attended Marquette schools and was a 1989 graduate of Marquette Senior High School.

Years prior, Tony had worked at the former Johnson's Sports Shop, the former Garden Room, and the former Do It Center.

He played hockey, baseball and wrestled. He had a deep love of sports and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Indians, NMU Wildcats, and Marquette Redmen. After an afternoon of cruising the Westwood Mall he would make his way next door to Big Daddys to watch the Passion Girls perform. He loved music and could sing most songs word for word, enjoying singing on stage on karaoke nights. One of his passions was pumping iron at Joe's Gym, The Y.M.C.A., and Superior Fitness. He also loved roller coasters and every summer would drive to Cedar Point with his good friend Tom Kownacki to ride their awesome coasters. Tony enjoyed going to Bay Cliff for Camp Independence in the summers. There he made many lasting friendships with staff and campers alike. You could always see Tony motoring around the upper level of the BEC during Wildcat hockey games, shooting the breeze with all he knew.

Tony will be remembered by his family and friends for his good heart, his smile that could light up the room, and as one who "loved to stir the proverbial pot." Although he struggled with a rare muscle disorder, he always managed to adapt and make it work. Not always happy with the changes but always accepting them with a smile.

Tony is survived by his parents Joe & Kathy Kerekes of Marquette; siblings, Joseph Kerekes, Ken (Shawna) Kerekes, Angela Kerekes, all of Marquette and Cindy (Mike) Collini of Raleigh, NC; he was a proud uncle to, Veda & Quinn Kerekes and McCarty McKie; and aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph & Dorothy Kerekes and Julius & Katherine Hubscher and a sister, Barbara.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from to 3 pm to 6 pm at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A service may be held at a later date.

Face masks & social distancing will be required.

Tony's family would like to thank all his caregivers, all of the staff at Bay Cliff, all of the medical professionals and U.P. Health System- Marquette, Dr. Mary Tobin Anderson for all the wonderful care he has received through the years. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tony's name to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.

Memories of Tony may be shared at canalefuneral.com

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