Had a quick wit, dry humor and positive outlook on life
MELROSE — Anthony L. Strileckis, 91, of Melrose passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Tony, as he was known, was born to Genevieve and John Strileckis in Waterbury, Conn., the eldest son in a family of fourteen children.
After graduating Crosby High School, he joined the Navy in 1949 where he served during the Korean War from 1949-1953 and also played baseball for Navy. During his Naval service, he met his future wife of fifty years, Dorothy Mae Nicosia (Dotty) of Somerville. They married in June 1953 and raised a family of six boys. Originally residing in Somerville, the family moved to Malden, and then settled in Melrose.
Tony was active coaching Little League baseball in Malden and Babe Ruth League in Melrose. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in those early years. He began work with New England Telephone as a phone installer and repairman in 1957, eventually working his way up through management where he retired in 1992 as Northeast Region Account Manager.
Upon his retirement, he enjoyed extensive travel with Dotty, spending time with his adoring grandchildren, volunteering as a tax preparer for the elderly and as an usher at the North Shore Music Theatre. After mourning Dotty’s passing in 2003, Tony married Betty Burri of Lexington and spent 14 fun years together until her passing in 2018.
He found community in his later years at the Residence at Melrose Station. Always an inspiration to his family and friends, he maintained his dry humor, quick wit and positive outlook given his life’s ups and downs and throughout his final days.
Beloved husband of the late Dorothy M. (Nicosia) Strileckis and the late Betty (Burri) Strileckis. Loving father of William Strileckis and his wife Edna of Easton, Anthony Strileckis and his wife Terrie of Fla., Andrew Strileckis and his wife Shelly of Sudbury, Gregory Strileckis and his wife Amy of Melrose, and the late Paul Strileckis and John Strileckis. Caring brother of 13 siblings. Treasured father-in-law of Maureen Strileckis of Lynn. Cherished grandfather of Gelyn, Christine, Kevin, Jillian, Alina, Paul, David, Elizabeth, and Sophie and great grandfather of Mason. Dear friend of Jerri O’Neill of Lexington. Also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at a 11:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 1 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Communitas (https://communitasma.org) in Wakefield, MA, a local provider of services for family members with developmental disabilities.
To sign online condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com 
