Anthony "Tony" Bernard Talarek passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 12th, 2023.   Tony was 92 years old and was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 13th, 1931 to Polish immigrants Anthony and Helen (Gawrycki) Talarek.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Mary Louise (Strake) Talarek. They were married October 24, 1959.  Tony and Mary had six children-- Mary Clare (predeceased husband Phil Rickel), John Michael (Julie), Mark (Sandy), Robert, Donna (Jon Quigley), and Christine (Jeff Calvird). Tony and Mary have 13 grandchildren: Lisa, Kristina, Jacob, Joshua, Jeffrey, Natalie, Anthony, Cory, Gabriel, Robert, Joseph, Matthew and Samantha. Tony was predeceased by his parents, and siblings: Edward (Mary Ann) and Frances Watson (Robert),  and Helen.

Tony was drafted into the army and served as a Korean war combat medic.  He earned the rank as Corporal.  In recent years he enjoyed wearing his veterans hat in public--it was a great conversation piece for him to make new friends.

Upon returning from the war he took advantage of the GI Bill and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Wayne University. (Currently known as Wayne State University).

He worked as a teacher at Stuckey Elementary School in Redford Union Schools.  He'd love to tell you how his was the last generation of teachers allowed to spank students with a paddle (nick named the "Board of Education"). Seriously, he enjoyed teaching, and he earned the love and respect of many families and colleagues.

Tony enjoyed a variety of hobbies in his lifetime.  He was a storyteller and an amateur woodworker.  He loved visiting with people and really enjoyed telling stories.  He would frequently say, "Have I got a story for you..." or, "You opened the door on that one, let me tell you about..."

Tony shared additional passions with his wife including raising canaries, gardening and being a "Rock Hound" (rock collecting).

Tony's secret to living a full life includes:

-Always remember "When your number is up, your number's up. God chooses that number, we don't.  Try not to miss me too much,  because I will see you again in heaven."

-Be optimistic.

-Laugh everyday and nurture your sense of humor.

-Don't take life too seriously.

-Tell the person in front of you, "You're doing a great job!"

Tony will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation Sunday 2 pm - 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Monday 10am until the 11am Funeral Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Livonia. Burial will take place Tuesday, 2:30pm at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

In lieu of flowers, please prayerfully consider donating to his parish: St. Michael the Archangel Church, Livonia, MI.

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