History is understanding the past. Tomorrow holds the future. But understanding both offers us the gift of the present.

Tony John Kocolas fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born on May 13, 1948 to John Anthony Kocolas (Kokologiannis) and Antonia (Vagionakis) Kocolas. Being the eldest of two boys born to immigrant parents from the island of Crete, Greece, Mr. Kocolas began kindergarten without any knowledge or understanding of the English language. Through determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to learning, he quickly overcame this barrier, setting the foundation for a lifetime of academic achievement and intellectual curiosity.

Tony graduated from Modesto High School in 1966, after mastering each history class with honors. Building on this foundation, he embraced opportunities to grow, including participation in a speech program where he earned top honors in local and state debate competitions. Mr. Kocolas went on to attend Modesto Junior College, where his strength and passion for history once again set him apart, and he continued to excel academically. Tony felt one of his life's most proud accomplishments was placing fourth in the State of California Junior College debate competition, with his brother as his teammate.

After graduation from Modesto Junior College, Tony attended California State University Stanislaus, where he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in History. and also earned a second Masters in Speech from the University of Pacific. Tony exemplified his mastery of the Greek language by bypassing the collegiate foreign language requirement by passing a 4-hour Harvard advanced Greek Language translation history assignment.

Tony was a brilliant scholar in both heart and mind, with lifelong passion for history. He approached life with a deep appreciation for the stories of the past. To those who knew him, Tony was more than an academic - he was a thoughtful soul who carried his love of learning into every conversation and every connection. His life's journey was guided by faith, knowledge, and an enduring devotion to history.

Mr. Kocolas' passion was teaching history. His academic tenure includes Fresno State College, Chabot College, and his favorite, Merced College. He utilized his history enthusiasm, excelling in the eyes of his student evaluations. As a speech coach, he also mentored winning teams at the college & university state levels.

In his quest for knowledge, Tony turned to learning the financial intricacies of a stock broker. He was recruited and attended the Merrill Lynch school in New York City. He placed first in his class passing the national boards. Mr. Kocolas advanced and progressed in many national companies and established his own firm of Danton Financial.

Tony's love was in history. His favorite subject became Greek and more specifically CRETAN history. He lectured for hours without any notes. He shared this knowledge in many seminars both local and nationally. Many will recall specific lessons on his annual invited lectures in Modesto, CA following memorial services for Arkadi, Venizelos, and Tis Mahis tis Kriti's. He was appointed Pancretan District VI Director of Education and Culture for many administrations. He was also a favored lecturer for the Elder Hostel program and featured in many programs at Saint Nicholas Ranch for several years.

Mr. Kocolas focused on maintaining the virtues of the Greek philosophers and the acclaimed Greek established principles. He successfully secured funding for educational and speech initiatives. He created a documentary: "Our Greek Heritage: The Greek Foundation of Western Civilization". Professional reviews highly acclaimed the depth of knowledge and quality of the production. Tony was an accomplished primary author of two books and co-author of two additional books, all focusing on historical subject matter. He wrote countless articles for Greek organizations, including the KPHTH magazine and AHEPA.

Though American-born, Tony's heritage was unmistakably Greek and more proudly Cretan. Tony has held the distinction of being the youngest paid member enlisted in Modesto's Lefka Oree Chapter of the Pancretan Association of America. He later championed his nationality by establishing the Alikianou chapter in Fresno, California and was elected the first chapter president. Mr. Kocolas was also later elected President of Fresno's AHEPA chapter. He sought the growth of any and all Greek and Cretan heritage cause.

Mr. Kocolas was a devout Orthodox Christian. As an active member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto, CA throughout his youth, he served as an acolyte, GOYA president, and in the Parish Council. After moving to Fresno, CA, Tony was an active steward and strong supporter of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church.

While Tony's professional accomplishments were many, they do not fully capture his most valued quality - his deep love for and care of others. He genuinely valued friendships and would do his utmost to honor and appreciate those he loved. First and foremost, he cherished his family: brother Jim (Chryssi of blessed memory), and his beloved nieces and nephews - Irene Kocolas; Antonia (John) Fanourgiakis; Father John (Presvytera Stephanie) Kocolas; Andoni (Alexia) Kocolas.

Tony's honor and joy was raising his nieces and nephews, loving and supporting them as his own children. He was present for every important milestone in their lives and especially took great pride in their academic achievements. He adored his great nieces and nephews as grandchildren. Christo and Stephania Petrogeorge, Dimitri, Chryssi and Panayioti Fanourgiakis, George and Marina Kocolas, and James and Luka Kocolas were his pride and joy. They in return cherished Barba Andoni and flooded him with love.

Tony met his closest friend, Dan Fischle, in college. Dan was a mentor to Tony, as well as a roommate and a deeply respected older brother figure in his life. Tony held Dan's wife, Linda, in the highest regard and shared a close bond with their two daughters, Gretchen and Rebecca, whom he helped raise as his own. The Fischle family became Tony's extended and cherished family.

Tony later met his loving partner, Bea Knaapen. Bea became his companion and friend for 29 years. They traveled, bought a home together, had culinary adventures and shared the blessings and joys of life. Bea took care of "My Tony" daily and even more so whenever he needed extra assistance. They had a very special bond and Tony was the happiest in his years with Bea.

To know you, is to love you. Hundreds can attest their warm sentiments to knowing and loving Tony. He too often shared those loving sentiments of so many that have crossed into his life.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents John and Antonia Kocolas, sister Chryssi Kocolas, Dan and Linda Fischle. He is survived by partner Bea Knaapen, brother Jim Kocolas, along with his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews that will remember his earthly love and caring. Eternal be his memory.

Trisagion service will be chanted on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6pm at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Modesto, CA. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 10am at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Modesto. Following internment at Lakewood cemetery, all are invited to the Father Emmanual Papageorge Cultural Center for the customary makaria (mercy meal).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Modesto, CA or Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Fresno, CA.

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