Anthony Thomas Worrell passed away peacefully at home on the morning of May 7th, 2024. A Time of Gathering will be held in Tony’s honor on May 16, 2024 at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation in Prior Lake (4565 Pleasant St SE) from 3-4:30pm. Following the gathering, Tony will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake (5437 160th St).
Tony was born on August 19th, 1951 to parents Frank and Gerry (Allen) Worrell in Minneapolis, MN. Tony was born developmentally delayed, but he often talked about how he’d be “normal” when he got to heaven. We have no doubt that he’s now the version of himself that he always dreamt of being. Despite his physical challenges, Tony lived a full and happy life. Growing up he enjoyed summers at the lake with his 6 siblings, spending time at his family’s dairy store, and days spent at his sister’s farm. Unlike many born during his time, Tony never spent time in an institution. His mother Gerry dedicated her life to caring for Tony at home, ensuring he was always treated with love and kindness.
In young adulthood Tony was given the opportunity to live in a group home named Delphi, where he met some of his closest friends. It came full circle for him when he moved to Hope Residence in Belle Plaine in 2021, where he got to share a room with his best friend from Delphi, Norman. Tony lived in Shakopee for over 40 years and was well known around the community. He could often be found enjoying a meal at his favorite restaurant, Wampach’s, at a Music in the Park event, or searching Goodwill for his newest treasures.
Tony found joy in so many things, but especially loved music, movies, toy cars & trucks and food. He loved his cans of Coke and would often trick his staff into giving him just one more. He enjoyed tinkering with his electronics, and despite being mostly blind he could (almost) always unplug everything, repair it, and set it back up again on his own. He adored his nieces and nephews and enthusiastically showed each one his toy trucks and Disney movies throughout the years.
He met his best friend Mariah Chadwick in 2020 when she became his PCA. Even after Tony moved to Hope Residence, they remained close with weekly phone calls, lunch dates, seeing musicals at Chanhassen Dinner Theater, and spending holidays together. We are grateful for the love and kindness Mariah showed Tony, he loved her unconditionally and told her so daily.
Even in his last days, Tony was sweet and kind and had perfect manners. His humor and joy will be missed greatly by all who loved him.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gerry Worrell; and brothers Patrick and Peter Worrell. He is survived by siblings, Marylin Revak, Frank (Linda) Worrell, Jim Worrell, and Katy (Terry) Groves; sister-in-law Phyllis (Pat) Worrell, 18 nieces and nephews, 25 great nieces and nephews, and his best friend Mariah whom he affectionately called Albirah.
