Mr. Anthony T. "Tony" Bolos

NEW HARTFORD - Mr. Anthony T. “Tony” Bolos, age 89, went to heaven and was reunited with those who went before him as he passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2017 in the privacy of his home with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on February 8, 1928, Anthony was the son of parents that immigrated to the US in 1912-1914, the late Sasin and Ida (Harfouch) Bolos. He attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School. Tony’s father Sasin made a living selling pins and needles and then housewares door-to-door in East Utica. Eventually his father opened a grocery store on Columbia St. with his earnings calling it ‘Bolos Groceries’, where Tony worked stocking shelves and making deliveries from a very young age. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Tony was drafted at the tail end of World War II and honorably served his country stationed in the Philippines. On September 11, 1953 he married the former Sadie Abounader with whom he shared 62 years. Their love recognized no barriers and rose above all hurdles. Sadie’s love gave him strength and courage. They were a magical couple as they embraced life. Tony was offered a job with G.J. Ralph/Food Broker, a company out of Syracuse that supplied grocery stores with a large inventory of items. He accepted the position and became their #1 Salesman for years — year after year, earning his way to Executive Senior Vice-President. He worked hard to put all his kids through Catholic education and he made sure that they had everything they wanted and most of what they desired, as long as they earned it. His business advice and life advice was invaluable. Big Apple Music was started with a $500 loan from Tony, and many subsequent loans to keep things going in the early days of the business. He had the biggest heart of anybody, and his love for his wife and his kids was over the top. Tony and Sadie’s home was open to everyone as they raised five children plus at least a half a dozen nieces and nephews and their family members who came to live with them from Lebanon. He was a wonderful and fair Dad, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren admired Gidu for his wisdom and enjoyed his stories. Tony was a man of many ‘lists’ of things to do, and was a master organizer. He was a perfectionist at all levels and he had a passion for technology throughout his life. He just loved the newest gadgets. He traveled the Middle East and Peru where he video-taped all the great sites and events and brought home special souvenirs for his family. Tony totally loved America. He often sang the National Anthem, at any given time. His accomplishments reached the sky - literally - he was a pilot and owned his own plane, but Sadie made him sell it! Tony was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, and back in the day he served as a Lector, was involved with the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization), and was chairman of the Festival of Nations. On his death bed, Tony gave a family proclamation, telling each one of his children to be sure to care for, love and help one another. He prayed for his children and asked God to protect them and guide them. He then recited the Lord’s prayer and he told Jesus that if this was his time, he was ready to come home and ready to hold his beloved Sadie’s hand once again. Anthony is survived by his children and their loves, John and Renee Bolos of Columbia, SC, Missionary David and Debbie Bolos of Arequipa, Peru and Yorkville, Mark and Tina Bolos of Clinton, Peter and Sandra Bolos of Remsen, and Theresa Bolos of New Hartford. Gidu cherished his 23 grandchildren and their families, John Jr., Michael, Joanne, Laura, and Samuel; Chelene, Jessica, Andrea, Anthony, Nathaniel, Josiah, and Timothy; Katrina; Mark, Christopher, and Rhiannon, and their mother Wendy Bolos; Rachel, Heather, Jazmin, Zechariah, and Elizabeth; and Peter Jr., and Amanda; and his beloved 22 great-grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Tekla (Abounader) Bouchaya of CA; and the many wonderful friends who blessed his life. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Toufek and Ardell Bolos; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Anna and Thomas Abounader, Mary Ann Bolos, and Susan and John Hagan; and his in-laws, Salim Abounader, Mitri Abounader, Tohme Abounader, and Martha and Nicholas El-Hage. The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Naji El Khoury for his heartfelt attentiveness and personal concern; Dr. Scott Brehaut who is special man that truly follows his calling as a physician; the staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center as well as the nurses and aides at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center; they offered their care and Tony honored their goodness. The family was so mindful and heartened by the spiritual solace provided by Chorbishop John D. Faris, Father Aaron Sandbothe, and Pastor David Hedeen; and niece, Joyce Showalter, for being such a treasure in so many ways to her Uncle Tony. The family will honor and commemorate Tony’s life at a private gathering. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Anthony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:30 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church where his Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Aaron Sandbothe and Deacon Paul Salamy. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tony’s honor may be directed to the New Hope Children’s Home in Arequipa, Peru, an orphanage that was established 20 years ago by Tony’s son David and his daughter-in-law Debbie; envelopes will be available at the service or be directed to New Hope Children’s Home, P.O. Box 107 Yorkville, NY 13495. Entombment will take place alongside his wife in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Anthony T. "Tony" Bolos

February 8, 1928 - March 17, 2017