SARAUSKY, Anthony "Tony"

It is with great sadness that we say a final good-bye to Tony Sarausky, age 73, who passed away on February 4th, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts to Phyllis Mae (Tonkin) Sarausky and Anthony Olgrid Sarausky. After the age of 11, he grew up in Littleton, New Hampshire, surrounded by the White Mountains he loved. Tony was predeceased by his parents, sister, Veronica-Ann and infant brother, Peter. He is survived by his children, Erin Sarausky (Mark Elliott), Brantford, ON; Matthew (Kristy) Sarausky, Shelburne, ON; grandchildren, Eva, Cameron, Eli, William and Ivor, all of Ontario; siblings, Toni-Jo Smith, Arizona; Stephen (Patte) Sarausky, Laconia, NH; David (Darleen) Sarausky, Littleton, NH, several nieces and a nephew. Tony grew up an exceptional athlete, winning both a baseball and football state (NH) championship in high school. He excelled at football where he graduated senior year with all-state honors. It was this passion for football that initially brought him to Nova Scotia to study and play football at Acadia University. Tony’s tenure at Acadia was interrupted when he left school to serve in Vietnam in 1968-1969. Stationed at Qui Nhon Army Airfield, Tony was promoted to the rank of Specialist-5 as part of the 13th Finance Division of the US Army Support Command, where he received the Army Commendation Medal prior to an honorable discharge. Tony returned to Acadia after his tour and met his future wife, Gail MacDougall. He graduated from Acadia with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education, followed later by a Master of Education. Tony and Gail eventually settled in Blockhouse, NS. Daughter, Erin Elaine and son, Anthony (Matt) soon followed. Tony quickly became a well known part of the community as a teacher, coach and firefighter, serving for 25 years on the Blockhouse Volunteer Fire Department. Tony's passion never waivered from sports. Over his years as a teacher at Blockhouse, Newcombville and Hebbville elementary schools, he coached countless basketball, soccer and baseball teams, as well as Bridgewater minor hockey teams. Known as "Mr. S" to the thousands of students he taught and coached over the years, Tony left an indelible mark on many of his students and players. He preached fair play, sportsmanship and full effort at all times. He will be remembered as a dedicated and passionate coach and teacher. Tony moved back to New Hampshire for the majority of his retirement. During this time he doggedly pursued his goal of climbing all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000 foot-plus mountains. Unsatisfied once this was complete, he tackled Vermont's 5 - 4000 footers, then Maine's 14, completing them all, some multiple times. Throughout his life, Tony was a voracious reader of military history, particularly the American Civil War. He enjoyed traveling and visited many battle sites in both the US and Europe. Thank you to the wonderful staff of Rosedale Home for Special Care for the excellent care provided and respect shown to Tony during his final stage of life. Interment will take place at Saint Rose of Lima New Catholic Cemetery in Littleton, NH at a later time. A Celebration of Life reception will be held on May 23, 2020 at Founders Hall, Trinity United Church, 101 Edgewater St, Mahone Bay, from 2 to 4 p.m. Words of Remembrance will commence at 2:30 p.m. All are invited and stories are welcomed. Condolences and messages may be made online at www.mahonefuneral.ca. If desired, donations may be made in Tony’s memory to The Friends of Crescent Beach, Green Bay and Area, Box 148, LaHave NS. B0R 1C0 www.crescentbeach.ca