Anton E. “Tony” Crnkovich

Tony was born November 20th, 1946, in Calumet, MI, to the late Anton G. and Eunice M. (Karvola) Crnkovich. He was a graduate of Calumet High School.

After graduation, Tony enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served aboard the USCGC Sundew as an engineman. In 1971, he relocated to Pensacola, FL where he worked as a Marine Mechanic for several years before returning to the Marquette Area in the late 1970’s. Tony then started with the Presque Isle Power Plant working his way up to Control Room Operator and spent his entire career there, retiring in 2008.

Tony in his youth enjoyed playing hockey, as well as, playing his guitar. His love of cars through life led him to restore several classic vehicles and he was also a talented painter of motorcycles and hot-rods. Tony was a knowledgeable and skilled mechanic in his own right and skilled at construction and home repair/remodeling. Cats were his pet of choice; he had a 20-year association with his longest living furry friend and also had several dogs.

Tony was a long-time and active member of AA and NA for over 40 years and during his time helped numerous people achieve sobriety and turn their lives around. He had many friends that he acquired over the years and will be missed.

Tony is survived by his girlfriend, Diana Maleport of Marquette; children, Sarah (Jason) Carr of Gwinn, MI, Nicole Swick of Texas and Tim Cholette of Beaver Grove, MI; grandchildren, Andrew, Kalynn, Taylor, Anavi and Aniya; and brother, Steven Crnkovich of Indiana.

Besides his parents, Tony was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Cholette.

A celebration of Tony’s life will be held in the spring of 2023.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Tony’s family, where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.