Obituary of Anthony John Vrakas

Anthony J. Vrakas "Tony" Born: April 17, 1933 Died: November 2, 2016 Anthony J. Vrakas, husband, father and grandfather, fell asleep in the Lord at his home in Belleair Beach, Florida with his family by his side. Born and raised in Joliet, IL, he grew up on the Vrakas vegetable farm on Troy Road. Graduated from Rehn Grade School, J.T.H.S. class of 1951, Joliet Junior College and attended Purdue University. Tony worked at the family grocery store, The Sunkist Fruit Market, on Plainfield Rd. and came back after serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix in New Jersey, where he played on the football team. He was the greatest Chicago Bears fan, and gave his love of the game to his sons. Tony worked and retired from Radakovich Liquor and Beverage Company after 25 years and retired to Belleair Beach, Florida in 1991 with his family. Married to his beautiful wife and love of his life, Josephine (Waligorski) Vrakas, at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Joliet on November 23, 1975. Tony was preceded in repose by his mother Margaret (Policandriotes) Vrakas, and his father, John A. Vrakas. Survived by his wife, Josie, two sons, John A. Vrakas and Theodore A. Vrakas, and beloved grandson, Travis Vrakas; his sisters, Mrs. Irene (late George) Morris, Mary Dee Vrakas, Mrs. Theodora (Louis) Gaefke; brothers, George Vrakas and James J. Vrakas; nephew of Mrs. Genevieve (late James) Vrakas, Mrs. Angeline (late Spiro) Policandriotes, Mrs. Helen (late Joseph) Zlogar, Mrs. Fran (late John) Polley and loving Godfather to Nicole (Gaefke) Avramopoulos. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends. A special thank you for the wonderful and loving care from the staff of Suncoast Hospice in Florida. Funeral services will be held Monday November 7, 2016 at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 102 N. Broadway St., Joliet, IL, where all friends and relatives can gather from 8:30 a.m. until services begin at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park II. In lieu of flowers, donations to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church renovation fund, 102 N. Broadway, Joliet, IL 60435 or St. Stephanos Greek Orthodox Church 3600 76th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL. 33710 would be appreciated. For further information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.