ROCKFORD—Father Anthony F. Pantyra, 69, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 26, 2021, at his home in Rockford. 

 

Father Pantyra was born Dec. 3, 1951, in Dabrowa, Tarnow, Poland, to Jozef and Joanna Pantyra. 

 

He attended the Pontifical Theological Institute, Krakow, Poland (1972-1978), where he received a master’s degree. He 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 2000 Father Pantyra was appointed administrator at St. Mary Parish, Tampico (2000-2002). He 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. 

 

He is survived by his sister, Irena Giza, and nephews, Dariusz and Paul Giza. 

 

Father Pantyra was preceded in death by his parents. 

 

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.