Anthony Keblesh

Anthony Keblesh, born May 28, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, passed away on March 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving children. The seventh of eight living children in a lively Catholic household, Tony learned early the value of hard work and independence. At age seven he took his first job sweeping floors at a neighborhood bakery, later delivering newspapers by bicycle, a pursuit that sparked a lifelong passion for the peace and solitude he found on two wheels.

After graduating from Central Hower High School in 1975, he spent several years as a truck driver, traveling the country during a time of rapid change that helped shape his strong moral compass. He eventually returned home, where he met Brenda Sue, a bartender whose spirit immediately captured his heart. They married six months later and moved to Morris, Illinois, where they raised their two children, Sarah Elise and Anthony James, who remained the center of his world for the rest of his life. Though they later parted ways, Tony and Brenda found renewed appreciation for each other before her passing in 2011.

Tony worked at LyondellBasell from 1988 until his retirement in 2015, always placing his family first. Retirement allowed him to fully embrace his role as Pop-Pop, sharing countless quiet afternoons watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and Pittsburgh Steelers with his grandsons while enjoying bowls of fresh-cut fruit. He delighted in the lively chaos of his grandsons Brayden, Nathan, Samuel, Hudson, and bonus grandson Mason, proudly watching the “Keblesh Cousin Crew” grow.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah Cox (Daniel), son Anthony Keblesh (Erin), grandsons Brayden Keblesh, Nathan Cox, Samuel Cox, Hudson Keblesh, and Mason Manella, as well as his brothers Joseph (Annie), James (Patricia), Thomas (Barb), and Timothy, sisters Ruth Zuchowski and Mary Keblesh, and a large extended family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Tony’s generous heart also embraced Brayden’s mother Jamie Schmidt (Michael) and their son Ford as his own. Though he experienced significant loss throughout his life, including the passing of his beloved first wife Brenda, his parents Joseph and Mary Keblesh, and several siblings, Tony remained deeply grateful for the love and family that surrounded him until the end.