Tony Tarryk

1925 - 2015

CANTERBURY - Tony Tarryk, 90, of Canterbury, died at home Thursday, Mar 5th of a heart attack. He was born February 6, 1925, in Lebanon, son of the late Harry and Mary (Baranowski) Tarryk.
Tony spent his entire life as a farmer. He left school over the objections of his teachers to work at the Fellows Brothers poultry farm to earn money to help support the family. As they began to prosper through hard work he joined with his brothers where together they grew the Lonely Ash Farm in Norwich into a top producing dairy, winning many awards for quality, including the prestigious green pastures award. He said if he had it to do over again, he would do the same thing. Although he did not speak often of it he recognized the hand of God at work in the natural world that he saw each day farming. Even though the farm was sold he continued to help his nephew haying through this past summer and was looking forward to the upcoming season. He had an unbelievably strong work ethic, was honest and a man of his word. Tony was a life member of the Occum Volunteer Fire Department and was awarded a special jacket for his dedication and years of service, a rare honor bestowed on only a few members.
He was also a member of the Occum Fire Department championship bowling team. He was always willing to help people even from an early age where he told of helping a schoolmate stricken with polio up the snow covered stairs at school. That deed earned him a trip to the principals office, where he was complimented rather than scolded as he had feared. Tony loved animals and could often be heard speaking to them. Physically active his entire life, he attributed that to his longevity. Less known perhaps is that Tony was quite the square dancer in his day. Tony loved to trout fish and each season would walk the river banks in search of the perfect catch. He usually gave his catch to friends and his hay customers as he disliked eating fish. He stayed current with the news, enjoyed western movies and knew the script of Lonesome Dove by heart. He loved baseball and the NY Yankees, every spring he would talk about the prospects for the season. He loved and enjoyed the Tarryk family reunions, weddings and other special events which gave him the opportunity to socialize. He often said he had been vaccinated with a phonograph needle. As with all the Tarryk Brothers we will miss him telling stories from his childhood and throughout his life, but most of all we will miss him. Tony lived his life independently and as he wished.
Tony is survived by his brother Daniel Tarryk of Norwich and his sisters: Sonja Burns of South Dennis, MA; Helen Gernhard, West Hartford; Barbara Alfiero, Baltic as well as numerous nieces and nephews He was predeceased by his brothers: George, Michael, Henry and Robert Tarryk and sisters: Anna Tarryk, Olga DesSureault, Lillian Tatro, and Mary Rondeau .
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church Occum, meeting directly at the church. Burial will follow in Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold. Calling hours will be from 6 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the Guillot Funeral Home, 75 South B Street, Taftville, CT. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Occum Fire Department.