Anthony Elefterios Sarris

Anthony “Tony” Sarris was peacefully called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the age of 87. Tony was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and uncle. Tony was a man of integrity, strength, compassion, and kindness. He was the rock of his family and was always available to help a friend. His sense of humor, intelligence, loyalty, and charm were known by all with whom Tony spent any amount of time.

Anthony Sarris was born on August 16, 1937, to Elefterios and Mary-Katherine Sarris in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was one of six children. Tony was proud of his Greek heritage. His father was a first-generation immigrant from the Island of Simi, Greece and processed through Ellis Island, New York. He moved to Tarpon Springs, FL to join the Greek population of spongers.

Upon Tony’s high school graduation, he attended the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH. While a full-time electrical engineering student, Tony also worked a full-time job on the graveyard shift at Southwestern Cement Company and played Varsity Baseball. After graduating in four years while maintaining his rigorous schedule, Tony moved to Apple Valley, CA to begin his career as a draftsman with Southwestern’s plant in Victorville. Tony earned his MBA from Golden Gate University during his career and was named Graduate Student of the Year. He ascended to Plant Manager and retired from CalMat Company as the Vice President of Technical Services. Post retirement, Tony continued his career in the cement industry as a consultant and project manager. He spent over 60 years in the industry during which he made deep and lasting friendships. He was known as a man of integrity, compassion, generosity, and respect. He made everyone around him feel important and genuinely cared about each of his colleagues. He often said, “Each employee, no matter their position, is valued because each of them is making a living for his or her family.”

Tony was active in his community, especially in the Victorville United Way. He also loved coaching youth football and baseball. Tony loved running the chains at his sons’ football games and then later at his grandsons’ football games. He always called it “the best seat in the house.” He never missed any of his children's activities, including his daughter’s dance competitions and recitals. He took extraordinary pride in his family’s achievements, and they all knew they could count on him to be there watching and cheering them on.

Tony, too, was an athlete. He was an avid golfer, earning several championships and six holes in one! When not on the golf course, he enjoyed watching sports and talking with his children and grandchildren.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Mark Sarris and Johnny Sarris, and his sister Ferrell Vaughn.

Tony is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 47 years who he affectionately called “his bride,” children Nick (Julie) Sarris, Richard (Toni) Sarris, and Katherine (Jed) McLaughlin, and his grandchildren Nicole Sarris, Jon (Brittany) Sarris, Mark Sarris, Anthony “AJ” McLaughlin, John McLaughlin, and Connor McLaughlin. He is also survived by two of his sisters, Fannie (Don) Van Hyning and Joanna Chandler.

Tony, Dad, Pop, Grandpa, Grandpo, Papa – We all miss you so very much and we hope you are enjoying playing the best golf courses in heaven.

Tony requested no memorial services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any charity of your choice.