Anthony R. Gadzera

Anthony R. Gadzera, 77, of Danvers, passed away on August 31, 2025 in his home after a period of declining health with his wife of 57 years by his side. He was the husband of Dr. Marsha (Cahoon) Gadzera. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Kathryn, his grandson, Julian Anthony, both of Beverly; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Bill Keener of W. Yarmouth, and racing friends who became family—Howie, Debbie, Leanne and Stephanie Lane of Essex. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews on Cape Cod and cousins in Arkansas and Texas.

Born in Salem in 1948, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Bertha (Roberts) Gadzera. Tony was raised in Peabody, attended St. John’s Elementary School, Bishop Fenwick High School, and graduated from Peabody High School in 1966.

During and after high school, Tony worked at Sirois Brothers Leather factory before he enlisted the United States Army. He served in Vietnam and at Fort Devens before he was honorably discharged in 1971. He received many medals for his military service.

Tony then worked as a meat cutter and eventually became a co-owner of Your Market in Danvers for many years. He retired at 47 to enjoy a slower-paced life and continue his interests in the stock market and skeet shooting, where he enjoyed much success.

Tony loved engines. He learned how to tune engines in his teen years when he traveled around the country with a drag racing team and became “Tony the Tuner.” He picked up the name “Tuna” when Midwest NHRA competitor Dick LaHaie made fun of his Boston accent.

Twenty years later it was RACEFAN Marsha who brought him back to racing at Star Speedway. Soon she was sponsoring the #97 supermodified, and he was tuning an engine and sharing knowledge with anyone who needed help in the pits. This was also the start of a 30+ year friendship with the Lane Family of Essex.

Tony and Marsha enjoyed traveling in the RV over most of the eastern U.S. and Canada, chasing racing, seeing the country, and talking with anyone they met.

Tony told everyone how proud and lucky he was to have his family. He taught Kathryn about personal finance, alpine sledding, dancing and completing DIY projects. Julian remembers Papa teaching him about race cars, how to do a hook shot, making pancakes, and shoveling snow. He attended every one of Julian’s sporting and school events. He took them camping, swimming, through racetrack pits and to monster truck shows. He was a very proud father and papa!

Tony, Dad, and Papa, you gave us lots of memories that we will cherish. We will always love you.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 1:00-3:15 PM at C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers, with his funeral service to follow at 3:30 PM in the funeral home. This is a casual event. Racing attire is welcome. Interment services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.orgor Griffin’s Gift at https://www.griffinsgift.org. (An organization that creates families through adoption.) Online directions and condolences are available at www.LyonsFuneral.com.