Anthony J. Pollzzie

Anthony J. Pollzzie, age 72, of Monroe, MI passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, with his wife of 50 years by his side. Anthony was born July 16, 1949, to the late Ben Pollzzie and Josephine (Bacarella) Pollzzie. He married Theresa Pancone on June 11, 1971. Tony was loved and respected by his family and his community, touching many lives as a teacher, coach, and volunteer, but above all else as a husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central in 1967, and earned his associate’s degree from Monroe County Community College in 1969. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Michigan University, studying education with a concentration in industrial arts. Anthony also served six years in the U.S. Army National Guard, and was discharged in 1977. He began a long, fulfilling teaching career in 1971 at Melvindale Middle School, and taught for three years there before spending the next 40 years at Monroe Middle School. He retired in 2014. Anthony was a football coach for many years, and volunteered at St. Joseph Food Closet. His deep faith in God and prayer carried him throughout his life. He was a devoted member of the former St. Joseph Catholic Church, and St. John Catholic Church. He adored and cherished his family, and was deeply involved not only in the lives of his kids, grandkids, and siblings, but also his many nieces and nephews. To his grandkids, he was also known as Papa Tony, or G-Pa. Tony had a gift for remaining relentlessly optimistic, always seeing the bright side of things no matter what he was facing, and helping others to see the good when they were struggling, as well. But he may be best known among friends and family for his wonderful hugs and taking the most memorable, big bites of food. He loved the game of golf, and despite only considering himself an amateur, he was never deterred. He enjoyed golfing the most in the early mornings, when he could marvel in God’s beauty of a new day. Anthony also enjoyed creating beautiful stained-glass pieces, woodworking, and tinkering and fixing things. He loved working on home improvement projects with his wife, whom he rarely called Theresa but instead lovingly referred to as “babe” and “hon.” He impacted many lives throughout his life, including those of the nurses, doctors, and all staff who cared for him at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, MI, over the past 6 months. Anthony’s fighting spirit will forever echo in the halls of Karmanos. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Anthony is survived by his wife, Theresa; three sons, Steve (Amy) of Monroe, Michael (Ann) of Romeo, MI, and Matt (Adam) of Monroe; brothers Ben (Yvonne) of Ann Arbor, and Joe (Renae) of Indianapolis; sisters Nina Gaynier (John) and Margaret Beste (David) of Carleton; and eight cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Nina, Joe, Katie, Dylan, Ava, Presley, and Evie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Charles and his father and mother in law, John and Anna Pancone. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May, 17, 2022 beginning at 10:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 511 S. Monroe St. Monroe, MI, 48161, where Mass of the Resurrection celebrating Tony’s life will begin at 12:00 noon. Fr. David Burgard and Deacon Mike Stewart will officiate. Private entombment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Oaks of Righteousness, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, or the Monroe High School Football Program. Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd, Monroe, MI, 48161 is assisting Tony’s family with funeral arrangements.

Anthony J. Pollzzie

July 16, 1949 - May 12, 2022