Antonios (Tony) Papantoniou

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Antonios (Tony) Papantoniou. He died peacefully, with his family by his side, on December 11, 2024, after a long, courageous struggle with health issues. 

Tony was born in 1935 in the small village of Nemea, Greece to Sotirios and Aikaterine Papantoniou. He was the youngest of three siblings who grew up during the difficult days of the Second World War. He left home to pursue a better life at the early age of 19. He moved to Australia where he worked for three years before moving to Calgary to join his sister Glykeria and her husband, Panagiotis. He worked as a chef at the Ranchmen’s Club for several years. There he mastered many skills that he would need to start his own business. In 1974, Tony and his brother-in-law Anastasios opened Venus Pizza. Years later they opened a larger location which included the Fox and Hounds Pub. This family business would prove to be a tremendous success. Tony worked tirelessly to ensure his family was well cared for and to make sure they had every opportunity for success. For this we will be eternally grateful. 

Tony was a consummate gentleman. He will be remembered as a quiet, yet kind and generous man. He was selfless, always giving when he could, without requiring any fanfare or attention in return. He was a man of God, attending Sunday services with his wife on a regular basis. His faith was especially important to him. We imagine him in a place of peace where he can be reunited with family and friends. We will miss him dearly and will feel the loss of his presence daily. Thankfully, he will remain in our hearts forever. 

Tony is survived by his wife of 59 years, Vasiliki, his daughter Kathy (Trevor), his son, Sammy (Tracy), his sister Glykeria and many cousins, nieces and nephews in Greece and Canada. Tony was also blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, Mia, and Ella whom he loved, adored, and cherished with all his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Andreas (Adonia). 

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Chinook Intercare for helping to make the last four months of his life as comfortable as possible. Although he is no longer with us, we know he is raising his eyebrows at us from above. 

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (1 Tamarac Crescent SW, Calgary) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM followed by a graveside service at Queen’s Park Cemetery. A light luncheon will be served at the St. Demetrios Banquet Hall after the cemetery service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donating to the the Canadian Lung Association.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Antonios (Tony) Papantoniou, please visit our floral store.