Home » Home » OBITUARY: Anthony ‘Tony’ J. Kanyok, Retired Mechanical Engineer and Avid Outdoorsman, Passed Away at 86

OBITUARY: Anthony ‘Tony’ J. Kanyok, Retired Mechanical Engineer and Avid Outdoorsman, Passed Away at 86

By  //  June 11, 2026

will be remembered for his love of family, engineering mind, passion for the outdoors

Anthony “Tony” J. Kanyok, 86, of Titusville, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Tony found joy in nature and physical activity. Family and close friends affectionately nicknamed him “The Hikenator” because of his passion for hiking.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Anthony “Tony” J. Kanyok, 86, of Titusville, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 22, 1939, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Tony was the son of the late Charles Francis Kanyok and Helen Cecilia Kuntz Kanyok. He spent his early childhood in Pennsylvania before moving with his family to New Jersey in 1943.

Throughout his life, Tony was known for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and unwavering dedication to family.

He enjoyed a distinguished career as a Mechanical Engineer and retired from Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in 2011 after many years of service and professional achievement.

Following his retirement, Tony relocated from Batavia, Illinois, to Titusville in 2012, where he embraced Florida’s warm climate and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Tony found joy in nature and physical activity. Family and close friends affectionately nicknamed him “The Hikenator” because of his passion for hiking.

He also enjoyed camping, bicycling, kayaking, and maintaining an active lifestyle, often exercising in his garage. In his quieter moments, he liked keeping up with current events, watching the news, and listening to music.

One of his favorite musical groups was Tangerine Dream.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Helen Kanyok.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Ann Kanyok; his children, James (Regina), Christine (Tom), Karen, Jennie, Sarah, and Carrie (Michael); his grandchildren, Trevor (Juliya), Josephine, Summer, and Clark; and his sister, Johanna (Ed). He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory and miss his warmth, humor, and adventurous nature.

Tony will be remembered for his love of family, his engineering mind, his passion for the outdoors, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church, located at 414 Pine Street in Titusville.

The service will be officiated by Father Rob Griffith.

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Tony’s life and lasting legacy.