Anthony J. Simkunas, 76, of Gardner, died peacefully Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Gardner on May 18, 1949, he was the son of the late Anthony and Helen (Kemzura) Simkunas. Anthony graduated from Gardner High School with the Class of 1967 and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. He was employed for many years as a clerk at Anthony's Package Store, where he was well known as the store's wine connoisseur and took great pride in his work.

Anthony was a parishioner of the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Church of Gardner and a current parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner. He was also a member of the Lithuanian Club of Gardner. In his leisure time, Anthony enjoyed watching Fox News, photography and working on stereo equipment. Above all, Anthony's greatest love and treasure was his family-especially his devoted wife, whom he cared for deeply. He cherished every laugh shared, every act of love given, and every memory made together.

Anthony is survived by his wife, Denise H. (Cote) Caisse-Simkunas of Gardner; two stepchildren, Joseph Caisse and his wife Victoria of Burlington, and Ross Caisse and his wife Margaret of Walpole; five step-grandchildren, Evan, Elise, Anna, Benjamin, and Alexandra; and several cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial in St. John's Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA, will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.dementiasociety.org. Please reference "In Memory of Anthony J. Simkunas."