Anthony E. Szambecki

Anthony E. "Tony" Szambecki, 77, of Vermilion, Ohio and Captiva Island, Florida passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from the effects of late stage Parkinson’s Disease.

Tony was born on April 24,1947 in Wichita, Kansas to Edward and Vivian (Beatty) Szambecki. While attending Wichita High School West and Wichita State, Tony worked part time at the first Pizza Hut initially washing dishes for $0.50 an hour. Since his pizza making skills exceeded his artistic studies, he followed the dough to Northeast Ohio in 1968 to open one of the first Pizza Hut franchises in the country. While working round the clock, he managed to take a weekend off and return to Wichita to marry his high school sweetheart, Diana.

Over the next 50 years he expanded his business holdings. Tony valued his core colleagues who remained with him for decades. At his retirement in 2017, Tony said, "It has been a source of great satisfaction to me that we've taught several generations of people how to work, how to handle people and problems, how to build a career. This is the accomplishment that means the most to me.”

Tony proudly served on many boards including Walsh Jesuit High School, the Museum of the Great Lakes and the International Pizza Hut Franchise Holders Association.

Tony was honored to be an alter boy to the Bishop in Wichita and was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Parish in Vermilion and St. Isabel Catholic Church on Sanibel Island. He was also actively involved in the Vermilion Yacht Club, Captiva Island Yacht Club, and the Shoreby Club.

Tony developed a love of sailing and the water and shared that passion with his children and grandchildren. He was proud to support youth sailing. Over the years he created amazing memories traveling with his family while sharing his wisdom and off color jokes.

Tony is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana (née Barton) Szambecki; his son, Lee (Katie) Szambecki of Bay Village; his daughter, Shea (David) Loper of Vermilion; his cherished grandchildren, Liam, Irene, Drew; and his brother, Tom (Martha) Szambecki of Newton, Kansas and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, E. Aaron Szambecki.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Vermilion, Ohio. Private interment will follow at Brownhelm Cemetery in Vermilion, Ohio.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front Street Toledo, OH 43605.

online condolences maybe made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com