Jack J. Anton passed from this life into the next on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at 65 years old in his hometown of Philadelphia. Born on January 9, 1956, named after his uncle who passed as a baby, Jack grew up in Mount Airy the son of Edward Anton, Jr and Lucy (Collacchi) Anton, both who passed before him. He is survived by his brother James (Lorraine) Anton. He lived close to his grandparents and extended family while growing up. He loved being a city boy, was an Eagles, Phillies and especially Flyers fan. He loved watching the Mummers parade every year and looked forward to any big sports championships, he was especially thrilled to be able to attend a Phillies World Series game in 2008. Jack graduated from Roxborough High School in 1974, he completed his schooling with an Associates Degree. He is survived by his maternal uncle, Frederick Collacchi of Philadelphia.
Jack met his wife, Caroline (Smetaniuk) Anton while working at Wanamaker’s department store in Jenkintown. Married 39 years, Jack and Caroline had many adventures together including a brief move to Louisiana, vacations to the shore, and a memorable three week trip to Atlanta, Georgia, for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Jack was in the United States Army from 1976-1982, he was promoted to Sergeant before being honorably discharged. Upon returning from the base in Louisiana he joined the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, he worked there in IT until last year when he retired after 44 years with the United States government. Jack was proud of his work at the VA and enjoyed working with all his colleagues there.
Jack moved with his wife to Norristown, Pa, in 1987 where both his children grew up. He had two daughters and two granddaughters, Jennifer Portzer married to William, mother to Amelia and Teresa and Stephanie Lynch married to Michael. Jack was a wonderful father, he never missed one of his daughter’s sporting events, concerts or plays, he supported all his girls activities including fundraising for charities and service work they were involved in. He was a loving and doting grandfather, he leaves behind two beautiful granddaughters who will miss him very much. Pop-pop enjoyed taking care of “his girls,” always having prizes available and showering them with love.
The other love of Jack’s life were dogs, his wonderful companion Holly passed away this January after 14 years by his side. Jack always loved having animals and pets around, he was overly supportive of his daughter’s work with dog rescue and foster care. He loved having pets in the house and loved spoiling the four legged members in his household.
Jack was a lifelong member of the Catholic church, he was born and raised in the church and will be buried according to custom. He fought a long hard battle with kidney disease, diabetes and more recently heart problems. Jack navigated through his medical problems with help from his niece Victoria (Palmer) Boardman and her husband Norman. Life handed him many challenges some of which he was helped through by close family friend, Loretta Bovell.
Most recently Jack needed kidney dialysis, he was treated at Fresenius in East Norriton, he spoke highly of all the medical personnel who worked there. He often returned home with stories of how his dialysis technicians took such good care of him. Due to health issues he was unable to drive this past year, he was driven to treatment by his kindhearted neighbor Shaun Washington, whom Jack appreciated greatly.
His family was not ready for him to leave but his body had fought for so long, he was ready for rest. Please pray for Jack and his family at this time.
Services will be Friday, May 7, 2021 at St. Stanislaus Church 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, PA 19446, visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 am followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery Dekalb Street Norristown, Pa 19401.
Jack’s most recent dream was to start a dog rescue in honor of his best dog friend, Holly. His family has set up a Go Fund Me to kick to start this nonprofit. In lieu of flowers, please go to the below Go Fund Me link in order to donate.
Jack,
I never met you, but I know your daughter Stephanie. You must have been a great, compassionate man to raise such a great and compassionate daughter. I see how much of a huge loss this is to your family, and also to society. As a rescue person myself, I thank you for the love and support you gave to the cause. I also thank you for your honorable services in the Army. I’m sad to know that our world has lost a a good person. I believe God still has plans for you as angels are alway present around us even though we may not know it.
May you peacefully begin your journey into a new sunrise, taking with you all the love for you in the mortal world. Go Bless.
My deepest condolences to the family.
– Re Staffieri, fiancé of Tug Kubach
I will miss Jack. I can tell you that at work he was always positive and a pleasure to work with. One of the people that when you were walking by him in the hall you wanted to stop and start a conversation, which usually always happened with Jack.
Rest in Peace Jack. Regards, Will
Thank you for your continued service and all you did for 44 year for Veterans, Beneficiaries and the families. Rest well my brother… (Salute)….CW2 Marilyn Salcedo (RET)
Jack Anton, I’m going to miss you calling me at work and giving me a hard time, but it was all in fun and I’m gonna miss the laughs. Rick.
GOOD BYE JACK MY BROTHER YOU WILL BE MISSED.
YOUR BROTHER JIM ANTON
Jack Anton you are loved and missed so much. You brought joy and laughter to us and your thoughtful and caring gestures will always be remembered. You are at peace but your family has you with them every day. Your girls are very strong and they’ve got this. Don’t worry about Caroline cause we’ve got you. Much love and peace my dear friend. Loretta