Tony Tsalaky

There were three things guaranteed in life: Death, Taxes, and that Tony was at Denny's on 4th Ave South at 6am for breakfast and at the garage on 4th & Columbia at 7am valet parking cars every weekday from 1975 to 2020. That kind of consistency was a hallmark of the way he lived.

Tony grew up in Provo, Utah, the fourth of five children of Greek immigrants, John and Aphrodite Tsalaky. After graduating from Provo High, he served in the United States Marines. Following his Honorable Discharge, he become an auto mechanic and worked for Hertz Rent-A-Car and the P.E. Ashton Company’s Chevrolet-Buick dealership in Provo. Tony and his brother George remained in Provo looking after their elderly parents. After their parents’ passing, Tony moved to Seattle and bought a house in West Seattle near his sister Eva and her family. Starting in 1975, he managed the 4th & Columbia parking garage until 1999 when he moved across the street to Jerry’s Garage where he valet parked cars until Covid and the West Seattle Bridge closure sped up his retirement at 88 years old.

Tony loved his family and his Greek Orthodox Church. He was full of goodness all the way around. He was hard-working, consistent, faithful, loyal, kind, sweet, and helpful. He was handy and could fix almost anything, and he would do so for anyone who asked. He was always respectful toward others and considerate of their privacy and time. Tony was the gentlest of souls and friendly to everyone he came in contact with. Those whose cars he parked at the garage weren’t just customers, they were family to him. And he always hustled, no matter if it was an old Datsun or a new BMW. Whether it was a cashier, pharmacist, waiter, receptionist, banker, lawyer, or someone walking their dog, if he crossed paths with someone in this life, he said "hello" and he meant it. He genuinely cared about everyone.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors who loved him and will miss his presence, his sweet nature, his joking and wisecracking way, and seeing him laugh so hard that tears came out of his eyes. The family want to say a special thank you to his caregiver Rina and her family. We couldn’t have asked for anyone to better look after and love our beloved Uncle Tony.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 11:00am, at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church (1804 13th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98122), followed by a 12:00pm Mercy Meal.

Tony will be buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, in Salt Lake City, next to his parents and brothers.

Viewing will be Friday, October 30, from 5:00-7:00pm, with Trisagion at 5:30 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor (3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT, 84106).

Burial will be Saturday, October 31, at 12:00 noon, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery (1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84102) followed by lunch at "The Other Place" Restaurant (469 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT, 84111).

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to:

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church for Memorial/Beautification

1804 13th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122 or donate online at

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Here are links to two options for live streaming Tony’s funeral on Tuesday morning:

Facebook live video

https://www.facebook.com/assumptionseattle

YouTube live video

https://www.youtube.com/@gocachurch2716/streams

MAY TONY'S MEMORY BE ETERNAL!