Cover photo for Anthony Strank's Obituary
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1919 Anthony 2014

Anthony Strank

June 21, 1919 — June 1, 2014

Anthony Strank, 94, of Laurel, Maryland died June 1, 2014. Known to his friends as Tony. Son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kovalchik) Strank, he was born on June 21, 1919 in Franklin Borough. Tony's parents immigrated from Jarabina, Czechoslovakia and he was the youngest of 11 children who grew up in Franklin Borough. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, John, Mike, and sisters Katie Holub, Mary Mitroka, Teresa Dietz, Anita Provenzano, Martha Jordan, Eva Tobias, and Bee Zivkovich. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Roslyn (Sevenack) Strank, daughter Christina Layman and husband Carl of Mt Airy MD, his son Jeffrey Strank and wife Michele of Glenwood MD. He has 7 grandchildren Justin, Kevin, Tyler, Carson, Randall, Anthony, Marissa, and 4 great-grandchildren Allison, Jaden, Allison, and Kyle.

Tony was an Army Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. During WWII he landed at Normandy (Utah Beach) and fought across Europe into Germany until the end of the war. As a canoneer in the 981st Field Artillery BN his battery fired on Cherboug Harbor from point blank range at the forts that were still holding out, piercing the thick concrete walls and causing the Germans to surrender in 15 minutes. This provided a critical deep water port to supply the Allied Forces in Europe. The BN then turned it's attention to the south and actively supported the VII Corps as they broke through the German lines in the St. Lo sector. Later his Artillery Unit was surrounded and nearly overrun by enemy troops in the Ardennes. Under horrific battle conditions his group maintained continuous fire which enabled the Unit to hold crucial ground during the Battle of the Bulge. He was an active participant in VBOB reunions for Veterans who fought in that great battle. Tony had unequaled appreciation for the sacrifice and accomplishments of our Veterans. Tony's cousin U.S. Marine Sgt. Michael Strank raised the Flag on Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Like many of his cousins, nephews, and friends from the Johnstown PA area, and veterans everywhere they did their duty during the war to provide Freedom to those oppressed. After the war, Tony used the G.I. Bill to earn a degree in English and Social Studies at the University of Pittsburg graduating in 1949. He later earned a Masters Degree in 1955 also at the University of Pittsburg. Tony taught high school and college English before working as a technical writer for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md for 27 years. He loved family, friends, trout fishing, golfing, reading, world history, and politics. Tony became a superb golfer in his 70's, shooting his age 72 and continuing that feat into his 80's. Truly one of America's Greatest Generation. He was active in body, mind, and soul to the end.

Viewing will be held from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm on Wednesday at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Laurel, MD where Parastas will be sung at 7:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Thursday at St. Gregory's Byzantine Catholic Church in Beltsville Maryland, Fr, Michael Kerestes. The family suggests contributions be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org , in memory of Anthony Strank. On line condolences may be posted to http://www.donaldsonfuneralhome.com .

  • Visitation

    Wednesday, June 04
    2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
    7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

    Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A.

    313 Talbott Avenue
    Laurel, MD
    (301) 725-1690
  • Funeral Service

    Thursday, June 05
    10:00 AM

    St. Gregory of Nyssa Byzantine Catholic Church

    12420 Old Gunpowder Spur Rd
    Beltsville, MD
  • Visitation

    Friday, June 06
    6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

    Baker-Harris Funeral Home

    229-231 1st Street
    East Conemaugh, PA
  • Funeral Service

    Saturday, June 07
    10:00 AM

    Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church

    217 4th Street
    Conemaugh, PA
  • Interment

    Saturday June 07

    Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church Cemetery

    Wesley Chapel, East Taylor Township, Johnstown,
    Johnstown, PA

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