ROCKFORD--Rev. Anthony F. Pantyra, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 26, 2021 at his home in Rockford.
Father was born on Dec. 3, 1951 in Dabrowa, Tarnow, Poland to Jozef and Joanna Pantyra. Father Pantyra attended the Pontifical Theological Institute, Krakow, Poland (1972-1978) where he received a Master’s Degree. Father went on to further his studies at the Catholic Theological Academy, Warsaw, Poland (1985) where he received his Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL).
Father Pantyra was ordained a priest by then Most Reverend Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyla, Archbishop of Krakow, Poland (Pope St. John Paul II), on May 15, 1978. His first assignment in the Diocese of Rockford was in 1997 as Parochial Vicar at St. Peter Parish, Geneva (1997-2000). In the year 2000 Father Pantyra was appointed Administrator at St. Mary Parish, Tampico (2000-2002). Father Pantyra taught at Newman Central Catholic High School (2000-2002). Father Pantyra was incardinated into the Diocese of Rockford on Aug. 1, 2003. He was later appointed Administrator at St. Ann Parish, Warren and St. Joseph Parish, Apple River (2002-2005). He then was assigned Administrator at Holy Trinity, Scales Mound (2002-2003); and was later assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Laurence Parish, Elgin (2005-2006). He then served as Parochial Vicar of St. Edward Parish, Rockford (2008-2012). During his final years Father Pantyra assisted in various local parishes.
Father Pantyra is predeceased by his parents Jozef and Joanna Pantyra. Father is survived by his sister, Irena Giza, and nephews, Dariusz and Paul Giza.
Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Oct. 2, 2021 at St. Thomas Becket Church, 1321 N. Burning Bush Lane, Mt. Prospect. He was buried at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. Arrangements were completed by Skaja Terrace Funeral Home, Niles.
