Anthony John Witkay Jr

Anthony John Witkay, Jr., known affectionately as Tony to his friends and family, passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with cancer on April 20, 2025, in Anaheim, California. Born on April 3, 1946, in Youngstown, Ohio, Tony's journey of life was one marked by love, service, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was a spirited, kind, and thoughtful man, whose quiet strength and trustworthiness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Tony's early years were spent in the familiar surroundings of Youngstown, but not long after, his family relocated to Garden Grove, California. There, he attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and later became a proud graduate of Mater Dei High School, where his prowess on the football field was well-recognized. His academic journey continued at Santa Ana College, a place that held a special significance as it was where he met his beloved wife, Marie Jo Petkevich. Tony's pursuit of Marie was persistent and heartfelt, and after a year-long courtship, their love blossomed into marriage shortly before he enlisted in the US Army. Serving his country with honor during the Vietnam Era, Tony earned a Bronze Star for his bravery and commitment.
Following his military service, Tony and Marie settled into their first home in Garden Grove, where they would live for fifteen years, cultivating a life filled with joy and companionship. Their journey together led them eventually to Anaheim, where they spent the remainder of their years in a home filled with laughter and love. Professionally, Tony found his niche in the banking industry, where he dedicated over 30 years of his life, building a career that was as rewarding as it was successful.
Tony's interests and hobbies were as varied as they were fulfilling. He relished the California lifestyle, including his youthful surfing adventures. As a movie enthusiast, he cherished going to the cinema with Marie, and together they enjoyed a vibrant social life, hosting numerous gatherings that became the highlight for their wide circle of friends. Tony's love for his family was the cornerstone of his existence. The birth of his daughters, Anne-Marie and Susan, shifted his focus to fatherhood, where he shone brightly, spending precious time outdoors, sharing picnics, beach outings, and flying kites.
His role as a grandfather to Jenna, April, Natalie, Gabriel, Nathan, and Jacob, and as a great-grandfather to Kane, was one he embraced with every fiber of his being. Tony's love knew no bounds, and his joy in babysitting and sharing in the lives of his grandchildren was evident to all. A man of deep faith, Tony loved the Lord with all his heart, and his spirituality was a guiding force throughout his life. Actively involved with St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, he served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, upholding their values and principles with quiet pride.
Tony's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife, Marie Witkay; his daughters, Susan and her husband Nick Manfredi, and Anne-Marie and her husband Warren Priske; his cherished grandchildren and great-grandson; and the many friends and colleagues whose lives he touched. His memory will forever be a beacon of the love and trust he so generously gave.
A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Tony Witkay, Jr. was a beacon of light to his family, a steadfast presence in his community, and a man whose spirit, kindness, and thoughtfulness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the countless memories they shared.
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