Antone Frank Volinski Jr.

Antone Frank Volinski Jr. of Greenport died March 25 at Stony Brook University Hospital. Known as Tony or Pop-Pop, he was a beloved member of the community during his 85 years.

Tony was born Feb. 9, 1935, in Orient, N.Y., the youngest of two children. His parents, Antone F. Volinski Sr. and Jennie (Garboski) Volinski, raised Tony in Greenport alongside his sister, Jean.

Tony attended Greenport High School, where he was an all-around athlete. He competed and played football, track, gymnastics and basketball. A highlight of his high school football career was playing as the all-star running back. Tony graduated in 1955 and enlisted in the Air Force, where he worked and maintained engines, serving for 14 years.

In 1958, Tony married Jeannette Funston in Norwich, England, and they enjoyed 62 years by each other’s sides. They were then stationed in Florida (1960-1961) and Delaware (1965), where they had their three sons, Antone, Russell and Darryl Volinski, before making their home in Greenport to watch their family grow.

In the 1980s, Tony worked as a foreman at the Oyster Factory alongside his wife, who packaged the oysters. When the factory closed in the 1990s, Tony worked on Plum Island as a boiler operator before he retired to become the No. 1 caregiver to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tony was an avid fisherman, collector, woodcarver, sideline “referee” and so much more — participating in bowling and softball leagues as well as coaching Little League baseball and football. Tony especially loved watching his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren at all their sporting events, rarely missing a game.

He was devoted to the Relief Hose Company No. 2 of the Greenport Fire Department, serving as a member for 50 years. He was a daily member of the “morning coffee club” with his best friends.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanette; his children, Tony (Debbie), Russell and Darryl (Kelley); his grandchildren, Jennie (Jeff) Boyle, Shawn (Jessica), Tammie (Pablo) Martinez, Cheri (John) Schuhmann, Kimberly, Jack and Rosemary Volinski; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Due to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visiting hours or funeral Mass at this time. Tony will be buried at Calverton National Cemetery. A future memorial date will be set. In his memory, donations can be made to Greenport Fire Department or Greenport Rescue Squad.

This is a paid notice.