Thomas Stratos Antonio, 84, of Tarpon Springs, FL, beloved husband of 54 years to the late Estelle (Parkos) Antonio, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017 in Tarpon Springs, FL surrounded by his family. He was born March 24, 1932 in Hartford, CT son of the late Stratos and Vasiliki (Thomas) Antonio and had made his home in Simsbury, CT and Tarpon Springs, FL. He attended Hillyer College (now University of Hartford), and was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the U.S. Army. Tom and his wife Estelle founded Antonio’s Restaurant in Simsbury, CT in 1964, a landmark family business and cherished treasure in the town. He also opened Antonio’s Restaurant in Holiday, Florida in 1980. He was an enthusiastic and successful investor in real estate and stocks. He enjoyed participating in numerous philanthropic endeavors and he touched the lives of so many through his generous spirit. Tom was a proud and devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford, CT; St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in Newport, RI and St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey, FL. He was a past President and parish council member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford, CT, a parish council member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey, FL, a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the National Order of AHEPA, Nathan Hale chapter. He also participated as a secret Santa and anonymous guardian angel for others throughout his life.
Tom raised his three children in Simsbury, CT where he was a highly regarded member of the community. He often remarked that his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He is survived by his daughter, Leah Antonio Ketcham and her husband, John of Santa Monica, CA; his son, Steven Antonio and his wife Lisa of Simsbury, CT; and his daughter, Mary Antonio Wheatley and her husband, Joseph of Tarpon Springs, FL. He was also an adored “Papou” (Greek for grandfather) to his grandchildren, Olivia K. Ketcham, Katherine G. Antonio, Nicolas W. Ketcham, Estelle K. Wheatley, Thomas S. Antonio, John S. Antonio and Stephanie M. Wheatley. He is also survived by his two brothers, Theodore S. Antonio, Louis S. Antonio and his wife Persephone as well as numerous nieces, nephews and Goddaughters. He was predeceased by his daughter, Stephanie P. Antonio. Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, CT on Friday, January 6th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be a Trisagion service at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, January 7th at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Avenue in Hartford, CT. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, CT. Memorial donations may be made to any of the following: St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Hartford, 433 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, CT 06114 or to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 9426 Little Road, New Port Richey FL, 34654. or Horizons, a special needs facility, P.O. Box 323, South Windham, CT 06266. Please visit Tom’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.