Anthony T.

Zarembski Jr.

Anthony “Tony” T. Zarembski Jr., 95, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on November 10, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on August 7, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Tony was the son of Anton and Emily (Wegrzyn) Zarembski Sr. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Senffner, on May 4, 1957, beginning a marriage centered on faith, devotion, and family. Together they had eight children and built a home filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Tony was detail-oriented by nature, he approached every aspect of life with care, precision, and dedication. Those qualities served him well throughout a distinguished professional career in engineering, quality control, and manufacturing leadership. He also remained committed to lifelong learning, earning degrees from DeVRY Technical Institute and Rockford College, while continuing his education through quality technology and manufacturing programs.

Before embarking on his professional career, Tony proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War. Although his athletic talents nearly led him to a career with the Chicago Cubs, making it through three days of team eliminations, God called him in a different direction. His years in the Air Force remained a source of great pride throughout his life.

Away from work, Tony enjoyed bowling and golf and found joy in sharing his talents and interests with those around him. He was a member of the Chicago Accordion Club and delighted family and friends, especially his grandchildren, with magic tricks that never failed to bring wonder and smiles.

Faith was a guiding force throughout Tony's life. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Rita Catholic Church and a Fourth-Degree Knight of Columbus, dedicating himself to both his church and community through years of faithful service.

Above all else, Tony will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, loyal brother, uncle and friend. A man of unwavering faith, integrity, and perseverance, his legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the many lives he touched throughout his long and meaningful life.

Tony will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 69 years, Phyllis; their children Michael (Janet), David (Elizabeth), Thomas (Laura), Gregory (Donna) Zarembski, and Lori (Michael) Cazel; daughter-in-law Susan Zarembski; 20 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren; brother Ted (Sandra); nephews Mark (Jing), Tim (Marsha), Dan, and Alan (Laura) Zarembski. He is predeceased by his son James and infant son Matthew; infant daughter Mary; his parents Anton and Emily and his nephew, Eric Senffner.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois 61108, with a rosary to follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation to continue on Monday, November 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109. Interment to follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery’s mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials made to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Tunnels to Towers Foundation. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com