Michael "Zac" Antonio

Zac was born on October 29, 1950 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Gus and Elizabeth Antonio. His parents were both Greek immigrants. Gus was from Cyprus, Greece and Elizabeth from Mytilene, Greece. His father Gus passed away when Zac was 7 years old. Zac's mother Elizabeth raised Zac as an only child and Zac and his mother remained very close until her passing in 1991.

Zac grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Business. He moved to Atlanta after graduating college.

Zac married Gaye Riley in 1989 and because Zac had no siblings he immediately adopted as his family all of Gaye's many brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews. He was never considered an "in law". Zac and Gaye were blessed with two sons of their own, Michael and Christopher Joseph "CJ". They also felt fortunate to raise Gaye’s niece, Andrea Riley Stephens. Zac remained very close to all of his extended family and cherished family vacations and get-togethers. At family get-togethers, he would always share how much he loved and adored Gaye and considered her his soulmate and partner for life.

One of Zac's special memories was connecting with his uncle Prokopē, his father's brother. Prokopē lived in Salamina, Greece and had never visited the United States. Zac did not meet his uncle until Prokopē was 52 years old. Zac and Gaye traveled to Greece in 1991 and later brought him to Atlanta to see the U. S. for the first time.

Zac was a successful real estate broker and developer in the Atlanta area for over 45 years. However, his family remained the focus of his life and his number one priority. He also cherished his time with all of his close friends.

He loved playing golf and tennis, and like his son Michael, was an avid fan of their hometown Braves, Falcons and Hawks. Zac and Michael spent many weekends arguing about and cheering on their teams.

For many years Zac devoted his energies to CJ's tennis competitions and became an “unofficial” assistant coach and number one supporter of CJ's Oglethorpe University tennis team. Zac never missed a tennis match, whether home or away.

Zac also had a great love for music and would often play Pink Floyd and Techno music at home and in his car. In his younger years he wouldn't miss the chance to go see his favorite DJs when they were in town. Zac was convinced he was a DJ in another life.

Zac Antonio was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Elizabeth Antonio, by his uncle Prokopē, by Gaye's parents, Joseph and Norma Riley, and by Gaye's brother Wayne Riley.

Zac will be deeply missed by his wife Gaye, his sons: Michael and CJ and by his Riley sisters and brother: Ann Riley Lee and her husband Steven, Sharon Riley Ortiz and her husband Oscar, Kevin Riley and Jeannie Ramirez, Sandra Riley and Tracie Thompson.

Zac was adored by his nieces and nephews: Danielle Rose Binn (Natalie, Presley and Emma), Jasen Ortiz and Jessica Hernandez (Summer). Oscar and Melissa Ortiz (Ezra), Katie Lee, David Lee, Tanina Riley Antonetti and Josh Antonetti (Josh and Jade), Shawn Riley and Julie Giarratano (Silas and Travis), Andrea Riley Stephens and Dale Stephens, (Saria, Jade and Vera), Erica Riley (Oliver) and Ashley Riley (Alivia).

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 12:00pm on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html