Plan for the Future
Born in Lukowe, Poland, on June 10th, 1938, Antoni and his wife Maria, immigrated to the United States in 1965. Excited to live in America and eager to settle down, Antoni worked hard as a butcher for Green Tree Meat Provisions for over 30 years. Antoni and Maria started their beautiful life in Clifton, NJ where they spent 50 years before moving in with their eldest daughter, Nina to Cedar Knolls, NJ.
Antoni was a man who never lost touch with his Ukrainian heritage. He fervently encouraged those around him to embrace their culture, sharing his love for Ukrainian music, dancing, embroidery, food, and most importantly, his faith. He cherished and was proud to be a Ukrainian-American, who, throughout his life, remained deeply connected to his roots and heritage. Antoni passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of his family and friends.
For 50 years, Antoni was a resident of Clifton, NJ, where he was an active and dedicated member of the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Passaic. His commitment to his parish was unwavering. Later in life, he and Maria moved to Cedar Knolls, where they joined the St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, continuing their deep faith and community involvement. His vibrant spirit was a testament to his rich cultural background, and he took great joy in celebrating and preserving the traditions he held dear.
Antoni’s love for the sun and the outdoors was well-known. He cherished every moment spent outside with his beloved wife, Maria. Together, they created countless memories, basking in the warmth of the sun either in their lush backyard or vacationing in their favorite spots of Aruba, Wildwood, or Naples, Florida.
When Antoni’s health required him to undergo dialysis, he embraced this challenge with remarkable positivity and determination, never giving up for the sake of his family. His resilience was inspiring, and he faced each session with courage and hope. Antoni’s medical staff went above and beyond to ensure he lived a long and pain-free life, providing exceptional care and support from beginning to end. Their dedication and compassion were a testament to the profound impact Antoni had on everyone he met.
Antoni is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maria (Filewicz). He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Nina and her husband John, and Darka, who will forever cherish the wisdom and love he imparted to them.
His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Andrew and wife Debbie, Sophia, Sonya, Matthew, and Jenna, as well as his two beautiful great-granddaughters, Penelope and Paulina, who brought him immense joy. He enjoyed entertaining all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by playing his folk music on his mandolin or harmonica.
Antoni also leaves behind two sisters, Kateryna and Helena, in Poland, who held a special place in his heart. His extended family, including brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews of the Filewicz and Jaroszak families, will fondly remember him for his kindness and joyful smile.
He was predeceased by his parents, Anna and Piotr, and his siblings, Ivan, Maria, Jarosław, and Oleh, as well as his late beloved son-in-law, Pawel Baran.
Antoni’s life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, and cultural pride. His infectious smile and cheerful laugh will be tremendously missed. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace, embraced by the love and grace he so generously shared with the world.
Vichnaya Pamyat
