Anthony “Tony” Slez, Jr., 65, died on March 17, 2012, of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with his irreverent sense of humor good to the end. Tony was born on May 23, 1946, the only son of Vanetta (Benos) and Tony Slez, Sr. He was married to Margaret (“Peggy”) Gorczynski on January 27, 1973.

In addition to Peggy, his wife and best friend, Tony is survived by his beloved son Adam and dear daughter-in-law Jennifer Huck, as well as by his brothers- and sisters-in-law James and Elizabeth (Weiler) Gorczynski of Le Mars, Iowa, and Dr. Michael and Rosanne (McCann) Gorczynski of Brookfield, Wisconsin. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and uncle Bernardin Slez of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his uncles Art Benos and Carl Slez, and his aunt Agnes (Slez) Sherwood.

Tony grew up and lived most of his life in Westport, Connecticut. He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1964 and, throughout his life, fondly recalled memories of his Jesuit education. His first career was in the theater and he was proud to have been a member of SAG and AFTRA. In 1975 he obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport, and in 1979 graduated from Western New England College School of Law. Tony then practiced law for 25 years in the state and federal courts of Connecticut.

In 2004, Tony and Peggy retired to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he enjoyed life on the lake, honed his photography skills, and directed “Dracula” and “The Prime of Miss Jean Brody” for the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre (BDACT).

Tony was an active Mason and treasured his friendships at Temple Lodge No. 65, Westport CT. He regretted that ill health prevented him from participating with his brothers of Dodge County Lodge No. 72.

Many thanks for the skilled and compassionate care given to Tony by the staff of Hillside Home Care & Hospice and the Golden Living Center/Continental Manor in Randolph.

A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue, Beaver Dam. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 6 p.m. Since the theatre was Tony’s life-long love and “backstage” was his favorite place in all the world, memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be made to the BDACT Capital Campaign, c/o Annette Kamps, 308 Prospect Avenue, Beaver Dam WI 53916.

The Murray Funeral Home, 131 East Maple Avenue in Beaver Dam, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.