Anthony Joseph Niemzak, age 99, passed onto his heavenly father on January 18, 2024. He was born in Philadelphia PA in 1924, the youngest of 9 children and the son of Antoni and Victoria Niemczak. He grew up working on the family farm, but as he said, one of his great blessings was getting a scholarship to a community trade school. After graduation he served in the Navy as a Machinist First Class during WWII. He then enrolled at the University of Alabama thanks to the GI Bill. It was at the University that he met Ollie Lee Cornelius who later became his wife and the love of his life. After graduation, he worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority and Southern Company as a civil engineer and structural designer for nuclear electrical generation plants.
Tony loved his family and went above and beyond to help and encourage them, whether it was hanging pictures or supporting educational advancement. He was a man that did not like being still, even to his last day. He introduced his children to the joy and adventure of traveling and seeing the world beyond their own front door. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to take advantage of every opportunity provided by our great educational system. Due to his encouragement, his children have experienced great satisfaction in their chosen careers. His family will sorely miss his loving, strong, and caring presence.
Tony was preceded in death by his wife Ollie Lee Cornelius, son Kenneth Edward Niemzak, granddaughter Tiffany Lee Niemzakm and all his siblings. He is survived by his son Michael Anthony Niemzak (Beverly), daughter Janice Niemzak Cotton (Jim); grandchildren Nicole Janice Grigsby (Tim), Mallory Niemzak Johnson (Brett), Anthony Kenneth Niemzak, and Kathryn Lee Cotton; great grandchildren Ellie Jade Grigsby, Ember Storm Grigsby , Curren Birch Johnson, Lucy Kate Beasley, William Brooks Spencer, and Bethany Lynn.
Family and friends visitation will be held at Ridouts Trussville Chapel Saturday January 20 from 1:00-2:00 PM with a service following. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Lawson State Community College Established Scholarship Fund. Special thanks is extended to staff at St. Martins in the Pines, Affinity Hospice, Always Best Care and UAB Palliative Care for the loving care they extended to Tony.
