Obituary of Anthony Lechniak

Anthony Lechniak, 98, of Oakland passed away on January 3, 2021 in the comfort of his home. Surviving are his three children, Tina Keller, Robert Lechniak, and Joan Charyak, his four grandchildren, Mary Lechniak, James Megin, Emily Megin, and Dana Megin, and several nieces, nephews, and extended family. Born May 30, 1922 in the coal country of Pennsylvania, he grew up to be a jack-of-all-trades. He always said some people were born with a silver spoon in their hand but he was born with a shovel in his and knew the value of hard work. Tony finished 8th grade and started working in the coalmines and his knowledge was put to good use as a demolitions expert in the Marines on Iwo Jima during WWII. After the war, Tony was ready to leave the coalmines behind so after working a variety of jobs, with his family in tow, they moved to Brooklyn. Tony put his jack-of-all-trades to rest for a while and became a mailroom operator, but even then you could find him in his workshop puttering around. Tony loved the outdoors and fishing was his passion. This patient gentle man knew how to really take a walk in the woods, noticing things that most people would just pass by, appreciating nature, and finding God’s good in everything. But Tony also knew how to throw a few back and dance up a Polka. He had his last whiskey sour on New Years Eve and stayed up to ring in 2021. He was a man who valued the important things in life: family, friends, and long road trips. He enjoyed traveling and was so proud that he visited all 50 states and several countries, including his homeland of Poland. You could often find him sitting on a bench in ShopRite chatting with anyone who would pass by. He looked at life with the curiosity of a child, always reminding us that you should never be bored when you can just look at the world around you. Tony’s life was not always easy and he faced many challenges along the way. His 8th grade teacher told him that whatever he did in life, do it to the best of his ability. And with the good Lord’s help, that is how he lived. Play the hand you are dealt he would say. The love of his family was most important and his grandchildren were the light of his life. He always said if you give when you can then you’ll never go without. And that is truly how he lived his life, sharing all that he could and finding some good in every situation. He was always quick with a smile, the first to lend a hand, never said “I can’t”, and got a little sparkle in his eye when you talked about dynamite. He was a man of honor, courage, and faith and truly a blessing to all who knew him. He will be terribly missed but his memory will live on in our hearts and in all the countless ways that his gentle presence influenced us. Rest in Peace Tony. We would love to read your memories of Tony so please share them on the Memorial Home’s website. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tony’s name to his local Marine Corps League: MCL 744 PO Box 8 Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442