Anthony “Tony” Kolodziej, 83, passed away on Feb 27th after battling Dementia at Bethany Nursing Home in Nashville, TN. Tony was born May 29, 1936 to Anthony & Mary (Rojowska) Kolodziej in Northampton, MA, the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from Northampton High School – earning a letter from 3 different sports but where he shined the most was Football earning him a full scholarship to Michigan State University. One of most memorable memories at MSU was being on the “1956” Rose Bowl Football Team where he earned a game ball. His moves on the field weren’t the only exceptional move he made, the other was catching his “Beauty Queen” bride of 45 years Jean.
After marrying his “Queen” he began his career in the Insurance industry which moved him to Nashville in 1960 where he started to call Nashville home. He managed several agencies before owning his own, Kolodziej Insurance Agency. Apart from selling insurance policies Tony had a passion for teaching the youth how to play baseball & football. He was one of the long-time leaders of the Flatrock Vols Youth Athletic Association where he inspired young men and taught them directions and morals which earned him the name “Coach”.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean, and survived by his four children, Joe Kolodziej (Amy), Jimmy Kolodziej, Linda Leath (Mark), Lisa Kolodziej, six grandchildren, Michael Kolodziej (Lori), Amy Kolodziej Ford (Brett), Kenzie Leath Galloway (Zack), Savannah Kolodziej, Kennedie Leath and Anthony Kolodziej and 1 great-grand child Zylan Galloway and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on March 9th at 4pm at Judson Baptist Church 4900 Franklin Road, Nashville TN with Rev. Ronnie M. Pittenger officiating, the family will receive friends from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Bethany Rehabilitation & Nursing Home. Honorary Pallbearers are all former Flatrock Vols players and coaches.
