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Anthony Frank Szumilo

May 8, 1963 - July 17, 2026
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Service
Sunset View Mortuary
Saturday 8/1, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Reception
Sunset View Reception Room
101 Colusa Ave
EL CERRITO, CA 94707-1204
5105255111 | Map
Saturday 8/1, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Anthony Frank Szumilo passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on July 17, 2026. His passing was unexpected, as he had been full of life the day before. He was 63 years old. Anthony was born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to Frank Anthony Szumilo, an economist, and Angela Marie Romanelli. The younger of two children,Continue Reading

Gregory Miller and Marsha Treadwell left a message on August 1, 2026:
In memory of Anthony Frank Szumilo, Gregory Miller and Marsha Treadwell lit a candle
Darlene Sereta left a message on August 1, 2026:
When I think of Anthony, I don’t just think of who he became—I think of the little boy who made childhood so memorable. He and my brother would disappear down by the creek, speaking pig Latin so I couldn’t understand them, convinced they had the world’s greatest secret language. They’d ball up little foil balls and toss them my way just to watch the bats swoop down, and while I wasn’t always thrilled to be the target, it’s one of those memories that still makes me smile. I also remember how fascinated Anthony was by science. His room always seemed to be home to some experiment or project, and I was so curious to see what he was creating. He never let me in, which somehow only made it seem more interesting. Looking back, those moments captured his inquisitive mind and the curiosity that was such a part of who he was. I’m grateful to have those memories of laughter, imagination, and childhood adventures. My heart is with you all today. May those same memories continue to bring smiles alongside the tears. I also still wish I knew what they were saying in pig Latin.
Joe Romanelli left a message on August 1, 2026:
Dear Szumilo family I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of Anthony and My heart goes out to each of you during this difficult time. As we celebrate the the life, I can't help but smile when I think of Anthony, remembering all the good times we had growing up. Anthony was my cousin as his mom angela and my father were brother and sister.  I have many good memories of our adventures and times together as kids and teenagers.  One that stands out is when me, Anthony and his brother Frank got stung but wasps when someone thought was a goid idea to venture into a barn and disturb a big nest.  That was a time I realized how fast Anthony can run . I remember times watching him play dungeons and dragons with his friends and trying to teach me. I never did figure out how to play.  Anthony was always a leader.  There were many times as teenagers we would take a train and walk around Washington DC by ourselves. Imagine doing that today, giving your teenagers freedom to adventure by themselves to a big city. I never worried as Anthony knew DC area like the back of his hand.  I remember times playing poker, playing Pokeno (bingo game with cards) playing for pennies, or just making up games. I remember Anthony's early fascination with the stars and galaxy looking through his many telescopes and him teaching me about the celestial world. He was always the smart one and I knew someday he would be successful in what ever path he chose. When I joined the military at 17, fate would have it that our paths would still cross. I got an assignment to Tucson Arizona and to my surprise,  Anthony was going to college at University of Arizona. There again, we were able to connect and make more memories. These memories are something I'll always treasure. Anthony always had a special way of making people feel valued and he always loved to share his passions with others. He took pride in everything he did.  A lot of people dont know this, but every time I gaze into the night sky looking at the stars or the moon, my first thoughts always bring me back to the times me and Anthony spent star gazing.  Those memories have been with me for the last 50+ years and will continue to be with me until we meet again one day in heaven. I know Anthony's kindness and curiosity has left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. I hope that, in time, the wonderful memories you all shared will bring you comfort and remind you of the love that will always remain. Although Anthony is no longer with us, his spirit will continue to live on in the lives he touched and in the stories we'll continue to share. Angelica, Lucas, Alex, Frank and the rest of the families, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as we celebrate the life of Anthony as wonderful, caring, compassionate, funny, teacher, and Mentor.  With love and deepest sympathy, Cousin Joe Romanelli
Dan Ohlsen left a message on August 1, 2026:
Anthony was truly the heart of the Berkeley Table Tennis Club, playing with a competitive spirit and a great sense of humor. He’d always say, “Good luck and have fun,” at the start of each match. He gave so much of himself to the club and everything it did – he was generous with his time and always made sure everyone had a good time. Anthony was always kind to newer players like myself and was always encouraging and applauding us. He showed his true generosity of spirit when the opponent would win a good point and he'd say "Too good," or even put his paddle down and clap. I’ll really miss his funky serves and spins, but most of all, I’ll miss chuckling with him about a silly dad-joke or pun he made.
Radha Algubelli left a message on August 1, 2026:
May it grow strong, just as Anthony's memory stays alive in our hearts,
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bhadram Danturthi left a message on August 1, 2026:
Please accept our deepest condolences. Anthony was a remarkable person, loved by everyone. May his cherished memories bring comfort to your family.
Xinghua Yu left a message on August 1, 2026:
I first met Anthony years ago, and over the years, we shared the court in dozens of matches across the Alameda and Berkeley clubs. Every single game against him was a fierce, neck-and-neck battle, full of surprises. To this day, I still haven't mastered reading his signature serve! ​I always deeply admired his integrity and positive spirit. The way he ran the Berkeley club made every one of us feel so genuinely welcomed. Anthony was truly an unforgettable teammate and friend in my life. May he rest in peace.
Jessie Lin left a message on August 1, 2026:
I was so shocked when I heard Anthony passed away. We played a lot in Micro motion table tennis club. I just drove from MA, and was one of the few my first meets in CA. He is a very warm person, very impressive. Before he played, he always tell us, have fun and good luck. I will always keep those kindness in my deepest memory. Rest in peace my friend.
Veronica Dwyer left a message on July 31, 2026:
Anthony was a special cousin and person. He was great at calling to catch up, especially around the holidays, and I always loved hearing about Alex and Lukas. He was always so proud of his family. He could always make me laugh during these times, and I will miss them and him. My heart is hurting by his way too early passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Angelika, Alex and Lukas.
The Berkeley Table Tennis Club left a message on July 30, 2026:
In memory of President Anthony Szumilo, a true leader on and off the table. The final match is over, but your legacy will forever rally on.
Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Anthony Szumilo by The Berkeley Table Tennis Club. Send Flowers
John F McGowan III, Ph.D. left a message on July 29, 2026:
I am very sad to hear of Anthony's passing. Anthony was my first friend in the Bay Area after moving out here to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center as a graduate student from University of Illinois at Urbana. We worked together on a project at SLAC soon after I arrived and Anthony introduced me to a number of other friends at the time. I have fond memories of "Friday Night Adventures," small group of mostly grad students who got together for dinner and mostly movies on Friday nights.
Sachet Dube left a message on July 28, 2026:
Anthony was one of the kindest person I've met. He was very welcoming to me at Berkeley table tennis club and always gave me solid advice. I am sure we will all miss him at Friday league. It will never be the same without him. He left a great mark on the community. My condolences to his family and friends. I wish you all the strength to go through these difficult times.
Lin Lin left a message on July 28, 2026:
We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Anthony’s passing. We still vividly remember playing table tennis with him beginning during the COVID years, the kindness and patience with which he showed Ryan how to play, and his love of astronomy. We are very sorry that we could not be there for the memorial service. Please accept our deepest condolences. Anthony will be greatly missed. Lin, Phoebe, and Ryan
John Byrd left a message on July 28, 2026:
I'm saddened by the sudden passing of Tony. He and I were classmates at the University of Arizona, both studying physics, both getting PhDs and then both living in the East Bay. We both have two sons and one with special needs. I have great memories of late nighjt study sessions decades ago.. I remember Tony's boundless enthusiasm and continuous need to understand the deep meaning of physics. He will be missed.
Sunset View Mortuary left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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