Anthony Michael Zimkowski, PhD, age 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Born on March 12, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, Tony grew up in Toledo and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo, a Master’s degree from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toledo before embarking upon post-doctoral studies at the Rolf Institute in Boulder, Colorado, to become a Certified Advanced Rolfer. Tony had a one of a kind and fulfilling career helping others through structural bodywork.
A lifelong martial artist, he was deeply committed to the study and teaching of judo and jujutsu, inspiring many students over the years with his discipline, kindness, and wisdom. While attending the Ohio State University, he was a member of the Ohio State University Judo team, placing fifth in the heavyweight division of the Collegiate National Judo Championships. Tony was a founding member of the American Traditional Jujutsu Association (ATJA), an inductee into the Masters Hall of Fame in 2007, a Diplomate of the National Association of Sports Counselors and provided leadership as a member of the ATJA Board of Directors, the ATJA Promotion Board, and the Ethics Committees for both ATJA and USA Judo. The ATJA honored Tony with the Title of Professor in 2023 and with Kudan rank (9th degree) in both judo and jujutsu on August 14, 2025.
Tony found joy in the simple things, like riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the open road, enjoying a quiet day of trout fishing, and sharing his passion for martial arts with those eager to learn. His presence was strong, steady, and generous, and he touched many lives in meaningful ways.
He is survived by his beloved son, Michael; Michael’s mother, Jean Haefner; daughter-in-law, Leila; and precious granddaughter, Sophia Rose. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Betty Zimkowski.
A service to celebrate Tony’s life will be held at the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend and share memories of a unique life lived. In honor of Tony’s love for food, friends and family are invited to bring a homemade dish to share with others. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tony’s name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the American Traditional Jujutsu Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.
