Anthony "Tony" Carl Milanowski

Anthony “Tony” Carl Milanowski, age 57, of Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 10, 2023. Tony was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary (Rozegnal) Milanowski, and his nephew, Ethan Williams. Tony will be dearly missed by his siblings Edward (Linda) Milanowski, Ruth Inman, Jane (Eric) Williams, Susie (Dan) Saganski, Mary (Tim) Ewald, Debbie (Joe) Milito; his beloved nieces and nephews Joe, Megan, Jason, Justin, Sara, Jessica, Mallory, Rachel, Rebecca, Adam, Edward, Eric, Mary, Elizabeth, Josh, Michael, Amy, Emily, Steven, David, and their families; numerous cousins and his many friends in the Polka community along with his very special polka cousin, Mike Rozegnal. Tony was born with Downs Syndrome to a large, loving, Polish Catholic family. He was always loved, cherished, and accepted by all who knew him. For Tony, family, faith and friends described his life. Tony loved life. He could make any event a party! After he lost his father at the age of 4, he was raised by his mother and siblings. His extended family was always there to help. Tony’s family parish was St. Isidore. He attended Mass weekly and received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion, Confession and Confirmation. He attended Lincoln School, in Grand Rapids, MI at age 2 and graduated when he was 26. Tony learned many life and recreational skills at Lincoln. He loved bowling and swimming and participated in Special Olympics at Lincoln School. Tony was employed by Pizza Hut where he folded boxes and washed dishes for 27 years. He was very proud of his job. He often said he was going to make enough money to buy his mom a new house! Tony’s enthusiasm for life was contagious. When his brother and sisters attended school and had homework, Tony had homework. He would often say he graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central! He loved the Cougars. Tony was a ring bearer, groomsman, or usher in his siblings’ weddings as well as in the weddings of many of his nieces and nephews, which was a special and serious honor that he was always willing to perform! He loved any and all weddings. Tony was welcomed by the Polish community with open arms. He loved Pulaski Days, visits to Frankenmuth, and Polish music events. He was extremely proud to play his accordian with “his Band” the Diddle sticks. Saturday and Sunday afternoons were devoted to listening to Polka Pops on the radio. Tony was an avid fan of Notre Dame, Catholic Central, and Lions football games, and he loved watching the games with his family. For his 50th birthday Tony travelled with his family to Disney Land. He met and had pictures taken with the Disney Characters that he loved. It was a trip of a lifetime for Tony. Tony was a fighter with an amazing will to live. He battled pneumonia many times. To the surprise of many, especially his doctors, Tony recovered from his illnesses like a trooper, it just took him a little longer to recover! Tony was a blessing and an example of unconditional love. He shared that love with everyone he met. His joy was interacting with people. He loved to give and receive hugs! Although he never held a teaching degree, he was a teacher of love, happiness, faith, and acceptance of everyone. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour before the Mass. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan St. NE. The rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:30 pm. The family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan VandenBerg and the wonderful staff of Mary Free Bed for the care and support given to Tony. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary Free Bed Foundation.

Tributes

Anthony "Tony" Carl Milanowski

March 15, 1966 - December 10, 2023