Anthony Watka

Anthony Watka, 91, of West Deptford, NJ passed away at Samaritan Hospice in Voorhees on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Born December 2, 1933, in Philadelphia, Tony was a 1st generation American, as his parents, Natalia and Louis were Ukrainian immigrants.  Tony is a graduate of Girard College in Philadelphia, Class of 1950.  He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952.  In 1956, Tony left with the U.S.S. Boston, CAG1, the first guided missile ship, to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  He was honorably discharged in 1956 and began work with Bell of Pennsylvania where he dedicated 30+ years of employment before early retirement in 1988. 

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Tony was a jack of all trades and could fix anything.  He enjoyed tending to his tomato garden, playing games with family, the calmness of a crossword puzzle, getting lost in a book and his guilty pleasure -The Wizard of Oz!  Tony loved life and was always pleasant with a jovial disposition. 

Predeceased by his parents, Louis and Natalia (Palamarchuk) Watka; wife, Nancy (Hamilton); sons, Stephen and Kenneth A. Sr,; brothers, John and Louis.  grandchildren, Danamarie and Kenneth A. Jr., Tony is survived by his daughter, Kathleen (Howard) Plasket; and sisters Leila, Doris, and Helen; 5  grandchildren, Nicole, Stacie (Ryan), Howard Jr. (Kimberly) , Joseph and Sherry, 5 great-children, Kiralynn, Andrew Clifford, Caitlin, Alexander and Paige.  He is also survived by his extended family and dear friends.

Services for Tony will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

The Multiple  Sclerosis Society

PO Box 91891

Washington D.C.  20090-1891