Anthony “Tony” J. Shalna of South Weymouth passed away peacefully on February 4th. Loving husband of Joanne (Neviera) Shalna. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 1. He is survived by his loving son Gregory Shalna (Leah), his grandchildren Andrew Shalna (Brittainy), Amanda Katz (Dan), Nicholas Shalna (Katie), Ashley Shalna, and Matthew Shalna. Tony was the proud great- grandfather of Christopher and Victoria Shalna, and the beloved father of the late Christopher Shalna.
Tony was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on October 10, 1932. A graduate of Rutgers University, Tony was a leader in the fire alarm industry, with a career spanning five decades until his retirement in 2008. He wrote numerous articles for industry publications, taught courses on fire safety and prevention, and served as National Training Chairman of the Automatic Fire Alarm Association and President of its New England Chapter. He also served as the City of Quincy’s Civil Defense Communications Officer.
He was devoted to the Boy Scouts, beginning as a scout in Harrison, New Jersey and later serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 111, Sacred Heart Parish in Weymouth, for many years.
A devout Catholic and proud of his Lithuanian heritage, Tony was active in the Knights of Lithuania, served on the Pastoral Council of St. Peter Lithuanian Parish in South Boston, was an officer of the friends of St. Peter, and was on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Manor Health Care Center in Brockton.
Tony was a proud member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Co. of Massachusetts since 1998. A member of the Braintree Rifle and Pistol Club since 1983, Tony was also a devoted and passionate amateur radio operator.
The foundation of his life was his family; they were the cornerstone of all that was truly important to him. Although they are broken-hearted at their loss, they feel fortunate for all the blessings he brought into their lives. He will live on in the hearts that love him so very much.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private burial for the immediate family will take place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Lithuanian Church Friday June 4 at 11a.m..
Donations in Tony’s memory may be made to the Lithuanian Apostolate, c/o SBS Catholic, P.O. Box 270799, South Boston, Massachusetts 02127.