PHOENIX — Anthony “Tony” Vincent Shramko, 66, passed away suddenly, Sunday, March 31, 2024, following a massive heart attack.

He was born June 16, 1957, in Youngstown, the youngest son of Bernard Shramko and Antonette Lorenzo Shramko.

He was blessed to live in a full and vibrant Italian-influenced household with his parents, maternal grandmother, Bambina (Orlando) Lorenzo; uncle, Lewis Lorenzo; brother, Bert Shramko; and cousin, Mary Lou (Moyer) Riebe. From his mother, Antonette, he mastered the skills of cooking (his chicken parmesan was light as air!) and growing tomatoes, as well as the ability to be content and at peace with one’s life — whatever it may be.

He made lifetime friends at both St. Dominic’s grade school and Cardinal Mooney High School. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 1980 with a degree in administrative dietetics and clinical nutrition, and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned a Master of Business Administration from Youngstown State University and a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of International Management in Glendale, Arizona. He then worked in market research for J.D. Power and in marketing for KB Home and Emser Tile.

Tony met his wife Aimee of 26 years in a marketing class at Thunderbird, and both agreed it was a magical, meant-to-be connection that they felt instantly. Their bond was strong, each doing their best to take care of and protect the other.

A dedicated vinyl record collector, Tony made many good friends along the way. He loved to comb the dollar bins of the local record stores and enjoyed talking to music lovers about their passion for collecting, listening to music, and attending concerts.

Among his favorite artists were Bruce Springsteen, Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven), Charles Brown, Sharon Jones and Ella Fitzgerald.

Tony is survived by his wife of 26 years, Aimee Shramko; his brother, Bert Shramko and sister-in-law, Sue; cousin, Marylou Riebe and her husband, Bob; nieces and nephews, Mark Shramko, Patty Welsh Shramko and John Shramko; and his two cats, Angelo and Inky.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Ruark family.

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