Anthony Robert Kalinski

Anthony “Tony” Robert Kalinski, 88, passed peacefully on March 31, 2026. Tony was born on November 27, 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, to Joseph Kalinski and Labretta Romano Kalinski. He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Carolyn Jean Evans Kalinski. He is also survived by several family members including his children, Kathy (Jim) Donald, Bob (Marcie) Kalinski and Michael (Pam) Kalinski; grandchildren, April Kalinski, Shelby (Nick Tunison) Donald, Kelsey (Dylan) Lee, Nash Donald, Jack Kalinski and Luc Kalinski; great grandchildren Quinn and DJ Lee and Lily Tunison; his sister Sally Kalinski (Marty) Cvetas and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Labretta Romano Kalinski and his brother, Joseph Kalinski.

Tony graduated from Central High School. He then went on to serve his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Rochester and the USS Los Angeles. He was extremely proud of his Navy days, making Petty Officer Second Class, and spoke about them quite often over the years. While he was in the Navy, Tony and Carolyn got married and started their family in Long Beach, California. After his service the young couple moved back to Omaha where he started to work for Metropolitan Utilities District as a meter reader. He worked for MUD for 39 years where he retired in the mechanical service department.

While raising their family in Omaha, Tony was very involved in his children’s lives as a scout leader, baseball coach and helping with their homework. He was always open to new experiences and participated in a wide variety of activities including writing a book, playing guitar and attending college classes. He dressed up as Dr. San Guinary for Halloween and made an award winning mechanical Christmas display. He loved to fish and owned a few boats over the years. He entered trivia contests and was an avid fan of Jeopardy and war documentaries.

Tony and Carolyn moved to Surprise, Arizona where they enjoyed their retirement in the desert for 16 years before moving back to Omaha in 2016. He enjoyed golfing and his frequent golf cart trips to the dog park with Elvis. They loved the environment and activities provided at Sun City Grand.

Tony was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved telling them his silly jokes. He was friendly and wanted to engage in conversation with everyone he met. He had a very caring and kind heart. He loved his “bride” and told her so every day till the end. He will be dearly missed.