Dr. Anthony “Tony” F. Gramza

Dr. Anthony “Tony” Francis Gramza, 89, of Wake Forest, formerly of Chicago, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026, at Transition LifeCare.

Tony was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 26, 1936, to the late Joseph Gramza and Mary Lukaszewski Gramza. After the heartbreaking loss of his mother at a young age due to tuberculosis, he was lovingly raised by his late aunt, Catherine Lukaszewski. Her strength, sacrifice, and faith helped shape the resilient and compassionate man he would become.

A gifted student with an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, Tony graduated cum laude from Marquette University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He went on to earn his Master of Science in 1965 and his Doctor of Philosophy in 1969, both from the University of Wisconsin. His academic excellence was recognized early as a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow (1962–1963) and as a University of Wisconsin Special Summer Fellow in 1964.

Dr. Gramza devoted his professional life to teaching and research in biology. He began his career as Assistant Professor of Psychobiology at the University of Illinois, Children’s Research Center in Urbana from 1968 to 1974. He later served as a faculty member in biology and psychology at National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois, from 1974 to 1976. In 1976, he became Associate Professor of Biology at Mundelein College in Chicago, where he also served as Chairman of the Biology Department until 1991. That same year, he joined Loyola University Chicago as Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Science, continuing to inspire and mentor students for many years. He was listed as a noteworthy Biology educator by Marquis Who’s Who and was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the Animal Behavior Society, and Sigma Xi.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tony was deeply committed to environmental stewardship and carried a lifelong concern for the health of the natural world. His love for science extended far beyond the classroom, reflecting a genuine reverence for creation. He was equally devoted to his faith, which quietly guided his life and his decisions. A man of principle and compassion, Tony had a tender heart for those in need and believed strongly in serving others.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest pride was his family. He cherished time spent together, valued thoughtful conversation, and shared his passion for music, science, and the arts with those around him. His warmth, wisdom, and steady presence will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Marianne Spiner Gramza; his daughter, Tammy Scarborough & husband Scott of Wake Forest; his granddaughter, Samantha Scarborough of Wake Forest; his sister, Rita Jasinski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to his parents and Auntie, he was preceded in death by seven siblings.

Funeral services will be held at a later date in Wisconsin, returning Tony to the state where his life began. 

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com