Tony Misko, Jr., PhD, 91, U.S. Army Veteran

Tony was born on March 29, 1922 in Yorkville, Ohio. Education was extremely important to Tony’s parents. They made sure all 9 children graduated from high school. Tony continued his education at Kent State University where his education was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army and Air Corp. to serve his country. While serving as a Master Sergeant in the 8th Infantry, Tony earned the Bronze Star at the Battle of the Bulge, The American Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the European, African, Middle Eastern Medal with three bronze campaign stars, and the Good Conduct Medal. He helped liberate a slave camp on the Czech-German border. He helped write the manual for use of attack boats for combat river crossings.

After the war, he returned to Kent where he earned his B.S. in 1946. He taught and coached at North Canton High School, Lorain High School, Admiral King High School, where he was the first head football coach, and Avon Lake Schools. He believed education was the key to success. After retiring from teaching in public schools, he continued his career as an instructor of geology, geography, and earth science at Kent State, Akron University, Wayne General Technical College, Cuyahoga Community College and Ashland University. While teaching and coaching, Tony attended various colleges and earned a master’s degree in geography from Kent State in 1955, a master’s degree in geology from the University of West Virginia in 1965, and his PhD from Kent State in 1978.

Tony traveled extensively throughout the world and presented many programs on his travels to the public. Tony was a member of the Clearview School Board for 10 years, serving as its president for five. He was a member of Sigma Nu, Association of American Geographers, Ohio Academy of Science, Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, Sigma XI Scientific Society, American Federation of Teachers, Ohio School Board Association, the American Geographical Society, Kent State Alumni, Lorain Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, past Rotary Club and Lions Club member, and AMVETS Post 47. He enjoyed gardening, tending his fruit trees, traveling, stamp collecting, and reading about WWII.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jeannine (nee Hart), mother Zalfa (Sophia, nee Terrangi), father, Tony Sr., sisters Anna and Kathryn, brothers Steve, John, Mike, and George. He is survived by his sisters Rose Gravel of Ashland and Dr. Mary Becker of Corvallis, OR, daughter Tana, sons David (Renee Dagseth) and Glenn, nieces and nephews, and grand dog, Carlie.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 3 until 7 PM at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave., Lorain where members and officers of the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame will conduct a memorial service at 6 PM. Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 AM in Church of the Redeemer, 7th and Reid Ave., Lorain. The Reverend Mary Carson and Reverend Fayette Grose will officiate. Interment will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted by Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans.

Memorial contributions in Tony’s memory may be made to the Church of the Redeemer, 647 Reid Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052 or the Lorain Salvation Army, 2506 Broadway Ave., Lorain, OH 44052.

To share your memories and condolences with the family please visit www.gluvna.net.