St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church Honors Longtime Member Anthony M. Russek

Anthony M. “Tony” Russek, 82, of 1 Coal St., Middleport, passed away Sunday at Seton Manor, Orwigsburg. He was born in Middleport on June 9, 1925, to the late Joseph and Mary Parys Russek. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended Blythe Township High School in New Philadelphia.

Russek was a prominent figure in Middleport, serving as owner and operator of Russek Fuel Service and as a member of the Middleport Borough Council for 24 years, including 20 years as president. His community involvement extended to various organizations, including the Schuylkill Valley Industrial Development Corp., the Schuylkill Valley Rotary Club, and the Middleport American Legion Post 144, where he held leadership roles for nearly two decades.

A devoted member of St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church in Middleport, Russek served as a director and choir member for 60 years. His commitment to the church and community was reflected in his active participation in numerous civic and charitable groups, including the Black Diamond Navy Club, Citizens Fire Company, and the Schuylkill Headwaters Association. He also held a seat on the advisory board of Union Bank & Trust Co.

Russek was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Kaminsky Russek, in 2001; a son, Anthony Russek, in 1988; two brothers, John Russek and Frank Russek; and three sisters, Mary Mangler, Genevieve Kronenberg, and Antoinett Russek. Surviving are two sons, David Russek and Karl Russek, along with his wife Ann; five grandchildren; a brother, Joseph Russek; and seven sisters.

Funeral services with military honors will be held Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church, Middleport, with the Rev. Bogdan Jurczyszyn officiating. Relatives and friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Thomas J. Bartashus Funeral Home, New Philadelphia, and also from 8:30 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church. Interment will be in Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown.

Contributions in memory of Tony may be made to St. Joseph Polish National Catholic Church, 20 Saint Clair St., Middleport, PA 17953.

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