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Anthony George Vambaketes, 68, died at 6:18 p.m. Monday, December 23, 2019 at OSF St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center in Alton.
Born July 25, 1951 in Alton, he was the son of the late John G. and Mary (Lafakis) Vambaketes.
He was a new development coordinator at Argosy Casino and in 1980 became owner of Tony’s Ranch House in Godfrey. He was a member of STS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and served as an Alton Alderman for 20 years. He enjoyed playing cards and golf and loved vacationing in Minnesota with his family.
On July 2, 1977 he married the former Peggy Coontz in East St. Louis. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Mary Mathews (Tim) of Godfrey, two sons, A.J. Vambaketes (LaNae) of Godfrey and John Vambaketes of Godfrey, two grandchildren, Stella and Tony Mathews and a sister, Stella Georgitsis (Ted) of Chicago.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2019 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2019. Father Achilles Karathanos will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to STS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
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Kenneth R. Cook
I am grieved to hear of the death of Tony Vambaketes. He was a great friend, warm, personable, kind, and often very amusing. David Bartlett, Dennis Carroll, Kenny Roderfeld, I and others (we all lived relatively near St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church and Block's on either side of Milton Rd.) spent a lot of time together throughout our high school years. Frequently, we gathered at his family's home and played our own version of indoor "street hockey" - this was during the years of the St. Louis Blues hockey team initial success - for hours in the relatively spacious basement; there was many a bruise and a lot of laughter. On other occasions we played cards. I learned not to hold my cards just so in relation to the lenses of my glasses - Tony and Dave read what was reflected by means of the light just over the table, and I always lost big time! Tony's family was always very hospitable. I first heard Greek being spoken in their home. Although I last saw Tony at his restaurant in about 1987, I recall him as a wonderful friend. I am grateful for his and his family's faith in Christ. Ken Cook