Antonios "Tony" Vatakis was born on June 29, 1935 to Elias and Argero on the island of Chios. In 1955 he immigrated from Greece to America. Tony worked as a chef to save money to open his own restaurant. In 1958 he met and fell in love with Mercina Maris. On January 25, 1959 Tony and Mercina wed at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

The lord blessed the happy couple with 4 beautiful children; Rita (1960), Louie (1962), Lisa (1967) and Kostandine (1968). The family made a home in Southern California. With hard work and the support of his beloved Mercina, Tony became a successful restauranteur. The family would eventually put down roots in Buena Park living there for over 40 years.

Tony was just as dedicated to Saint John Church in Anaheim as he was to his family and business. He was an active member in the church community, Father of the year 1995. He also enjoyed volunteering when he was able to at the Greek festivals, as well as serving on the parish council. Tony was also an avid gardener and loved to travel for family vacations to Greece in the summers.

Tony leaves behind a multitude of friends and family including Rita, son-in-law Petros "Pete", Louie, Lisa, Konstandine, and daughter-in-law Elaine. His grandchildren Ted, granddaughter-in-law Kia, Debbie, Antonios, Matina, Mercina, Anthony and great-grandson Petros "Petey". Tony passed away peacefully the afternoon of March 26, 2019. He was 83 years old. His beloved Mercina Vatakis went to be with the lord on November 9, 2015 now they are reunited in heaven

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4

Trisagion service will be Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 7:00pm. The funeral service will be Friday at 11:00am. Both services will be held at Saint John Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale Street, Anaheim. Interment will follow after the Makaria at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress, CA.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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