Anthony M. (Tony) Wypa's Obituary
On September 10, 2023, to a chorus of angels singing “Come Fly with Me”, another star came alight in the evening sky. Anthony M. (Tony) Wypa, passed peacefully into eternity, surrounded by his greatest loves, music, family, and laughter.
Tony was born on June 18, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, and grew up on the streets of Detroit. He left school at the age of sixteen to help support his family, something for which he was extremely proud. In 1960, he brought his street smarts and zest for life to Muskegon, MI. He also brought a passion for music, especially big bands like Count Basie and Stan Kenton, as well as the irreverence of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Most importantly, he brought the love of his life, DeeAnna (Kuzukos) Wypa. The two were married in 1958 and enjoyed a 55-year union.
Tony was proud to be Ukrainian, but DeeAnna’s Greek heritage made Tony an honorary Greek. A fact that added joy to the rest of his life. He loved Greek food, especially the garlic! Tony and Dee’s home was always the hub of family activities, with music, food, drink, and laughter being the focus. He enjoyed cooking and one of his specialties was pizza. Homemade or otherwise, pizza dinners were something his family would gather for and enjoy repeatedly, for many years. This legacy lives on in his son’s business, Wypa’s Woodfired Pizza.
In his 60+ years in Muskegon, Tony made many friends. He ran a successful Title Insurance business, interacting with community leaders throughout West Michigan. His sense of humor, infectious smile and hardy laugh were well known and loved by all. Tony was also an avid reader, keen to understand everything about the world around him. He loved to ask questions, preferring to listen to other’s stories versus telling his own. All of this helped make him the wise and unique person he was. Truly a joy to be around. Tony was an Old Newsie, volunteered on the restoration of the Milwaukee Clipper and after retirement was a driver for Wasserman’s Floral and Gifts and Muskegon Senior Transit. He was also a member of Elks Lodge #274 and provided the sound equipment and music for many dances at Elks Park. Tony’s final years were spent at the Hume Home, where he made many friends with both the staff and residents alike.
Tony is survived by his children, Karen Clark, Anthony Wypa Jr, Katherine (Jim) Alderink, David (Lisa) Wypa, and Mark Wypa; grandchildren, Steven Clark, Mary and Matthew Alderink, Lucas Wypa, Lily Wypa and Ava Wypa; his great-grandson, Emeric Alderink-Smith; siblings, Madeline Puirko, Elizabeth Malmquist, and Thomas Wypa.
He joins in heaven his beloved wife, DeeAnna, who passed away in 2013; mother, Rose Thomas; father, Steven; brother, Henry; and sister, Suzanne Tomasik. His grandson who passed away suddenly in 2012, Master Nikolas Wypa, also greeted him at the gates of heaven.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE is planned for 11:00 AM, Friday, September 29, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION with the family will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. His family asks, in lieu of flowers, donations to The Nikolas Wypa Scholarship Fund, The Hume Home Gazebo Improvements Fund or Harbor Hospice would be appreciated. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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