Deacon Tony Surozenski was born on December 20, 1944, in Webster, Massachusetts, and has spent his life serving others through education, firefighting, and ministry. He attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Bartlett High School before earning a Bachelor of Science (1966) and a Master of Education from Worcester State College (now University). A certified Master Catechist in the Diocese of Worcester, he completed the four-year Diaconate Formation Program and was ordained a deacon in 1990.

Tony began his career as a science teacher in Oxford, Massachusetts, and later taught general, life, and environmental sciences for more than three decades at Shepherd Hill Regional High School, where he also served as Media Specialist. Alongside his teaching vocation, he worked as a firefighter and Captain of Ladder Company One for the Webster Fire Department from 1966 to 1990, later serving as Fire Chaplain until 2008. His compassionate leadership extended to the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains, where he was Chief Chaplain’s Aide for Spiritual Care, and to regional Critical Incident Stress Management and Suicide Prevention Teams.

In the Diocese of Worcester, he has served as both Assistant Director and Director of the Office of the Diaconate and has contributed to the Tribunal Office. His ministry and crisis work have brought him to sites of great tragedy, including Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. Deacon Tony continues to inspire through his witness of service, faith, and compassion—living out his lifelong call to bring God’s peace where it is most needed.