Anthony Martin Kwedar, age 86, passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Tony was born at home in Baltimore, MD, on February 21, 1937, to the late John J. Kwedar and Albina O. Kwedar of Severna Park, MD.
Tony briefly served in the Air Force and graduated from Iona College.
Working as a Purchasing Agent for Lever Bros., he moved from Maryland to New York, where he settled in Darien, CT, with his beloved first wife, Miriam C. Walas (predeceased 2005). He later worked for Unilever and Lipton Tea.
He was dedicated to St. Johns Parish in Darien, where he was a member of the Joyful Praise, one of St. John’s choirs, under the direction of Frank Porretta, and many church activities, including their Community Garden, always helping those in need. He was an active member of the Darien Men’s Association and various Bridge Clubs and was a proud recorder of the scorebook in the PONS Bridge Club. He will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a caring and compassionate gentleman, with a delightful sense of humor.
He leaves behind a loving wife, Sandra S. Kwedar (married in 2008).
“Pa Tony” graciously embraced Sandy’s daughters Lori Pipicello (Armando), Kim Davenport (Jeff), and Jill Muller (Allen) and adoring grandchildren Jessica Schmidt (David), Amy Mazza (Sam), and Andrew Speziale.
He was a loving brother of John Kwedar, Alby Halsey, and Anna Marie Vitkauskas, and a dear Uncle to 16 nieces and nephews.
A Mass was held at St. Johns Church of Darien on December 12, 2023, with an Internment at Spring Grove Cemetery.
Tony was a past of the Darien Men’s Association. He remained an active member leading the Bridge Club. He is fondly remembered as a wonderful person and contributor to the DMA. He will be missed. Here is his bio in his own words.
I was born (1937) in Baltimore, 3 blocks from the house (Bar) that Babe Ruth was reared in. I became an honest person by attending Catholic schools for my formal education. The night school route was used to complete (BSBA) my schooling at Iona College in New Rochelle (1973).
My business career began with the Lever Brothers plant in Baltimore (1958) in the Purchasing field. A solid knowledge that began there was the foundation for entering the Packaging Material Field. I was transferred to NYC in 1996.
Along the journey, my time was spent with other companies (Beech-Nut, Tetley). I eventually returned to the Unilever clan of Thomas J. Lipton as Purchasing Manager- Packaging Materials (1992).
My first wife (Miriam) of 45 years ended with her death in 2005. I remarried my current wife (Sandy) in 2008 and am fortunate to have experienced two happy marriages. Having conceived no children with my first wife, I inherited 3 children and 3 grandchildren with Sandy. I have lived in Darien since 1968.
My favorite pastimes involve golf, chess, bridge, and gardening – all of which my prowess is to be admired, but not imitated!
Donations may be made to: Person-to-Person, Darien, CT or the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation