Anton (Tony) Stanley Trubiroha was born in Chicago on December 18, 1925, to parents Mary and Joseph Trubiroha. He was one of 15 children and was the last surviving member of his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Judith Trubiroha, of 47 years of marriage.

He entered the U.S. Navy as a young man and served as a radio operator throughout the Pacific theater in World WarII two years and was honorably discharged. He then continued his education and received a business degree from Western Michigan University. Later, he felt a calling to the Catholic priesthood and entered the seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon ordination, he then worked in the Grand Rapids diocese for several years as a parish priest, an educator, and chaplain at Mercy Health Saint Mary's Campus in Grand Rapids and served the local migrant community.

His life took a different direction and he decided to pursue further education and received a Master's Degree in social work from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. As a social worker, he then worked at the Traverse City Psychiatric Hospital and with Traverse Bay Intermediate School District for several years. He ​was also an adjunct professor at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

Upon retirement, he devoted himself to volunteering at Munson Medical Center, the Traverse City Film Festival and wherever he saw a need to help anyone. His zest for life and learning was overwhelmingly inspiring. He was a voracious reader and loved sharing his insights with everyone.

Tony and Judy found a piece of property that had a large, tree-lined meadow in Leelanau County, overlooking Lake Leelanau. So, they built a nice home there with a beautiful woodland garden and a pond. His love of nature inspired the beautiful wood carvings he created while living there.

He and Judith traveled the world and were enriched by the many cultures and people they encountered. He had a clever wit about him, even in his final days. He had a larger-than-life personality and left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.

Rest in peace.

Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, August 25, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Traverse City, with the Reverend Don Geyman celebrant. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church, and a light luncheon will follow the service. Interment will take place at 2:00 PM at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Father Fred Foundation and Hospice of Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com