Anthony Joseph Stawarz IV

Born in 1947 in New Britain, Tony was the son of the late Anthony Joseph Stawarz III and Catherine Gutowski Stawarz. A proud son of Connecticut, he made an indelible mark both on and off the field.

Early Years and Athletic Excellence

Tony “Skip” Stawarz will forever be remembered as one of New Britain’s greatest athletes. From 1964 to 1966, he starred at New Britain High School, excelling in baseball, basketball, and football — though his true dominance was on the diamond and the gridiron.

According to his family, Tony was the first two-time Parade All-American High School football player, an honor reserved for the nation’s top 100 players. His baseball power was legendary — home runs said to soar over 60-foot trees in East Hartford, and another in New London that is fabled to have flown more than 500 feet.

In recognition of his athletic excellence and impact on the community, Tony was later inducted into the New Britain High School Hall of Fame, a testament to his talent, leadership, and enduring legacy as one of the city’s most celebrated athletes.

In 1967, Tony left Connecticut to attend the University of Miami, where he became a four-year starter, team captain, and pre-season All-American. His athleticism and leadership earned him national recognition, including a place on Chris Schenkel’s 1969 Preseason All-America Team as a strong safety.

After graduating, Tony was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1971. After a brief time with the Hartford Knights of the Atlantic Coast Football League and a later signing with the New England Patriots, a knee injury cut short his professional career though his passion for the game never wavered.

Returning home to New Britain, he poured that same passion into mentoring and coaching, working with young athletes through the New Britain Police Athletic League. Those who played for him remember his belief in them: “He treated us like men,” one said. Another added, “Tony made us believe anything was possible.”

Tony’s athletic legacy stands as a symbol of resilience, talent, and dedication to his hometown — and to the game he loved.

A Life of Faith, Family, and Devotion

Above all else, Tony was a man of deep faith and unwavering love for his family. God came first in his life, and family was always second. His faith guided every decision he made, and his example showed those around him what it truly meant to live with purpose, gratitude, and integrity.

Tony and his beloved wife, Rita Ann (Zmyeski) Stawarz, were inseparable and shared a devoted marriage that spanned 49 beautiful years. Together, they built a life centered on love, commitment, and unwavering faith.

He was a proud father to Kurt Stawarz (47), Brittany Stawarz (40), and Reid Stawarz (33) — his greatest joy and legacy. Tony was always there for his children: in the stands, on the sidelines, or with a quiet word of wisdom when it mattered most.

As a father, he believed his most important job was to set an example — to show his children, through action and faith, what it means to be a good man. He taught them the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance; to take pride in their efforts, honor their word, and stay true to their beliefs. He demonstrated what it meant to be a professional, a husband, and a father — strong, steady, and faithful.

Tony showed his family that faith makes all things possible. His integrity, humility, and love continue to shape the lives of his children and will carry forward for generations to come.

A Legacy of Leadership and Loyalty

For the past 20 years, Tony proudly served as a respected and cherished member of LGI Homes, where he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, and character. He loved the company and the people who made it feel like family. His leadership, integrity, and ability to lift others up left an enduring mark on LGI’s culture.

Those who worked alongside him describe him as a mentor, a friend, and the kind of man who made everyone around him better. His legacy at LGI Homes will be remembered through the people he inspired and the example he set — a legacy of hard work, humility, and faith.

Faith in Action: Supporting St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Tony’s faith was not just something he lived by — it was something he gave through. In honor of his beloved mother, he was a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart.

He believed deeply in the mission of St. Jude: that no child should suffer alone and that love, faith, and hope can conquer even the darkest moments. His support for St. Jude will live on through his children, who are committed to continuing his charitable legacy for years to come.

Reflections from Family and Friends

“The fight he’s endured is one I would’ve given up on long ago. He has shown nothing but strength, courage, and determination throughout this entire journey.”

— Family Friend

“I’m proud to have known Tony and grateful for everything he’s helped me with in my life. He showed me what a father should be, and I hope to pass those same qualities he shared on to my own kids.”

— Family Friend

“Tony leaves a lasting legacy here at LGI. It’s been a privilege working alongside him for the last 20 years. My thoughts are with you all.”

— Executive, LGI Homes

“So grateful I was able to see him last week. An amazing man, and he was so proud of you all. He will be missed.”

— Executive, LGI Homes

“So sad to hear. He will always be remembered at LGI.”

— Executive, LGI Homes

“You never know who you will inspire, in what way, or for what reason…you inspired me from afar, and you’re still a legend in Connecticut and that will never change.”

— Nephew

“Growing up as his younger brother, I had sports idols like Jim Brown, Ted Williams, and Carl Yastrzemski. But my greatest idol was my older brother, Tony. I always wanted to be like him — strong, humble, and kind. He will be greatly missed, but his example will live on in all of us who were lucky enough to call him family.”

— Brother

A Life Well Lived

Tony’s life was defined by faith, family, and perseverance. He lived each day with gratitude in his heart and strength in his spirit. His love for his wife, children, and extended family was unwavering, and his faith in God was unshakable.

He taught by example — that success is built on integrity, that faith can move mountains, and that love is the greatest legacy a man can leave behind.

In his family, his faith, his friendships, and his work, Tony gave everything he had. He leaves this world having made it better — one person, one home, and one act of kindness at a time.

His impact will shine through every life he touched, every lesson he taught, and every heart he inspired.

Tony is survived by his beloved wife Rita Ann Stawarz; his children Kurt, Brittany, and Reid Stawarz; and his siblings Paul Stawarz of Burlington, CT, Susan Brooks of Newington, CT, and Louis Stawarz of Hummel, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Catherine Stawarz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Tony’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A Liturgy of the Word will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, on November 11, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.