"Leaving you today watching you being laid to rest triggered so many memories of our 44yr friendship. You were the most kind and loving man . I think of how you fed my now 42 yr old son his 1st piece of meat, how you were such a good friend making sure I ate prior to going to the hospital to be with my dying mother as I was 6 mos pregnant with my daughter. You would always make me my chourico sandwich with lettuce on top and always give me something to bring to the hospital for my mom even when she could no longer eat you would send me with flavored milk. After she passed you sent me home with chourico as I could not get it in Michigan. My dad was so sad after her loss I would send my sister to get his favorite pizza from you a lg cheese pizza cooked well done. After I divorced and moved home with my 2yr old and 5 yr old you gave me a job. You were not like a boss you were like a 2nd father always caring about me and my children. You got them Birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. You were an exceptional man. I became a nurse and would love to order dinner from you just to see your genuine smile and to hear you tell me how proud you were of me. I can remember when Carissa was baptized,, Arthur's wedding all great memories celebrations with you. You were an amazing father grandfather and great grandfather a true Papou. I loved you dearly and will miss you forever so many more wonderful times I spent with your family. I know you are in Eternal peace resting at last, watching over your beautiful bride Voula, and you children John, Angie, and Arthur, Your grandaughters Carissa and Lexi and you precious great grandaughter Zoey. I cannot thank you enough for all the love you gave me and my family you were more than a friend to me you were my family also, I am there to help you family now any way I can anything they need. Till we meet again in paradise " I love you""
In loving memory of
Anton A Mandros
September 21, 1934 - January 19, 2022
Anton "Tony" Mandros, 87, of Portsmouth RI, passed to his eternal reward on January 19, 2022.
Born in Northern Greece in 1934, Tony led a life full of events that he shared with everyone he spoke to. Greece entered into civil war in the 1940's. Tony's mother, with seven children, escaped the communists by crossing over mountainous terrain. A real-life Horatio Alger novel, they emigrated to New York, embarking on a true rags to riches life, and like his patron saint Anthony, led a life of humility.
Arriving in America, Tony's humble beginnings as a shoeshine in Hell's Kitchen, and as a waiter for the Hilton hotel, afforded him the opportunity to pursue the American dream.
Once he became an established waiter, Tony returned to Greece in 1958, to marry his wife and bring her to America to share the American dream and build their life together. He continued to work hard to provide for his family.
He started by purchasing an apartment building in Queens, NY, owned a gift shop containing Hellenic imports, and a farm in upstate New York.
Tony moved his family to Newport, Rhode Island in 1976 and with the help of his brothers, on September 9, 1976, founded and developed a Newport institution, A-1 Pizza. He ran the business alongside wife and children and it became a Newport staple feeding families for generations. A-1 pizza stayed in the family for three generations. Continuing Tony's Newport legacy, Tony's daughter Angela and her husband Dave Farias took over the business in 1995. Customers and former employees still come in and reminisce about how Tony impacted their lives, setting the bar high for a successful work ethic.
Tony was a strong, kind, loving and supportive man. His religion, knowledge and guidance laid the foundation for raising his family. Tony enjoyed westerns by John Wayne, Looney Tunes cartoons, and comedies starring Abbott and Costello. Tony was full of energy always on the road in his '86 Buick honking his horn everywhere he went. He was a family man and actively involved with his wife, children and grandchildren. Tony was passionate about life, enjoyed traveling to Florida and Cape Cod and was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Community. He spent most of his retirement helping raise his two grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents Marina and Athanasios Mandros, his 2 sisters Athena Tzoros and Persefone Mandelos and two brothers Thomas Mandros and James Mandros.
He is survived by his wife, Paraskevi "Voula" Mandros of 64 years, brother Bill Mandros and many loving nieces and godchildren. Tony is also survived by his three children Joannis Mandros, Angelica Mandros , Arthur Mandros and wife Maria Sheila Mandros as well as two grandchildren Carissa Kennedy and her husband Brian Kennedy Jr. , Alexandria Farias and great-granddaughter Zoe Kaliopi Kennedy.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI from 4:00-7:00pm.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 24 at 12:00 Noon at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 289 North Main St, Fall River, MA. Burial will follow in Middletown Four Corners Cemetery, Turner Road, Middletown, RI.
Tributes
"I for once am at a loss for words, I am heartbroken over the loss of you Tony. We had been close friends for over 43yrs. You were more than a friend you were family. Seeing you being laid to rest today I had a flood of memories of all the wonderful things you were to me. You fed my now 42 yr old son his 1st piece of meat, You made sure everytime I was going to the hospital 39yrs ago to be with my dying mother that you sent me with something for her even when she couldn't eat you sent me with flavored milk all the while making me my favorite chourico grinder with lettuce on it as I was 6 mos pregnant at the time with my daughter. You had a fatherly love like you were my own dad. Even sending me back home when my mom passed with chourico as I lived in Michigan.. My dad would always get pizza from A1 always wanted it well done especially after losing my mom. I eventually came back to RI with my 2 babies you gave me a job and gave my children Birthday and Christmas gifts. You were more than my boss you were my friend and God blessed me to allow us to remain friends all these years. I remember Casrissa's baptism and how proud you were to be a papou. I could go on and on about the Tony I loved, not related by blood but a stronger friendship of love. I know you are in heaven watching over your beautiful family, Voula, John, Angie, Arthur, Carissa, Lexi, and Zoey and all their significant others. Please know I am here for them if they need anything. I cannot fill your big shoes but I can let them know they mean as much to me as you did. Rest in Eternal Peace, you deserve it till we meet again again one day "I love you" "
"I am so sad to hear about Papa Tony?s passing. Papa Tony is a down to earth person and a family man. We lost him here on earth but heaven gained him. My sincerest prayers to the Mandros family. - Romeo Jr."
"We miss you already tremendously. We miss your presence, your smile, our many coffee times together, your words of wisdom and much more - especially your tough love. Wish you were still here with us to hear your voice again and to listen to your words of encouragements and motivations. You have set an extra-ordinary example to us from being such a humble man to one of the hardest working successful businessman we have ever known. You have shown us that family comes first. Your passion to work hard to achieve your goals in life for the betterment of our family has been passed on to our generation. Your legacy will always remain alive with our family and friends. Papa Tony, Arthur is so proud that you inspired him to become like you - a family man who wants nothing but the best for his wife. - Maria Dad, Maria feels fortunate to have you as her father in law - who is like a real father to her here in the USA for 2 decades. - Arthur At your last moments, we have seen you had suffered enough. We know your sufferings will not be wasted as they are your key to heaven. Even if we want for you to stay with us much longer until you reach 100 years, we believe you have said 'yes' when Jesus invited you 'Come with me.' (on Wednesday 1/19/22 at exactly 4am EST just after Arthur called your nurse in the hospital). Please whisper to Jesus to always guide us along our way in our journey here on earth. With so much respect and love, Arthur & Maria Sheila"
"So sorry to learn of the sad news. Papa Tony was such a good and dignified man. I could tell that in the many stories of my sister Maria and when I got the chance to meet your kind and beautiful family in 2015. He was so fatherly to my sister and he truly loved her like his own child as my sister would tell us. We, Maria's family here in the Philippines, are forever grateful for the blessing of Papa Tony and your family in my sister's life especially from the time that she decided to stay there with Arty. Sending hugs, love, sympathy, and prayers to you, Mama Voula, John, Angie, Arty and Maria, and the whole Mandros family. I requested friends from the religious sisters in the convent to pray with me for comfort for the whole Mandros family and for the eternal peace of Papa Tony's soul. ??"
"You were a good, simple man, yet underneath lay very strong traits - a dogged, tireless, iron-willed hunk of a man , who through sheer industry and persistence made it big in a strange land - building a decent family, sizable business acumen and the patronage of people around. Indeed, you had lived a fruitful life! May you have your reward in God?s Kingdom. Kudos from your ?????????? (sympetheros) Romy and ????????? (sympethera) Marie Capuno."
"I hate to always be the person who has to be different, but I feel it very necessary to point this out. And maybe others did too. But I only saw tributes talking about the man. I want to talk about his food. It's a God given fact that Tony was an amazing person. Who truly fits the mold of your typical "they don't make them like this any more" type of man. And that's beyond true, they don't, unfortunately. He was a true Icon in Newport. But what he was really known for, by everyone from those of us that were lucky enough to work beside him, and even those that didn't have a clue who he was. Was his food! The good food that,...... wait a minute let's correct that. The GREAT food that this man served to the hard working folks of Aquidneck Island throughout his life are the stuff of legend. How many people can look back at their lives and realize that it was greatly enriched by the food this wonderful man served in his humble establishment? One can only imagine. But just to give you an idea of how great it was. And how important it was to those of us that were lucky enough to enjoy it. I'll tell a little story here to end this rambling tribute to one of the finest gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing in my life. When I was a young man. This was not long after I had worked at A1 pizza actually. Me and some friends decided to move to Florida and try our luck down there. And we agreed that the last meal we ate here, and everyone from here knows that food is a huge part of our lives, had to be A1. Of all the choices we have here, and despite having the money to eat anywhere we wanted to. There wasn't even a discussion about it. Large A1 Special it was. And when I finally decided that Florida wasn't for me. You know what my first meal was upon my return? That's right a large Hot Oven Grinder. His famous Italian to be specific. It may have just been simple food he served at A1. But it was made with care, with love, and with skill. He knew all the little tricks that made food special. Instead of just a necessity. And that's what I'll remember him most for. His contributions to so many lives. I could go on and on about a million stories of kind acts from this man. But when I think of Tony. I think A1 Special. And that's truly something Special! And if you've ever been lucky enough to eat one. You'll understand exactly where I'm coming from. God Bless you Tony. Please say hi to God for me. I already know which way you you went in the afterlife. And it was straight up to the Heavens. Where people like you belong. My sincerest condolences to everyone in the Mandros family. Bless you all. Andrew Balus "
"Dave, Angela & family our deepest sympathies to you all. Tony will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this terrible time. sincerely, Wilma, Darlene, & Steven "
"He was just awarded a new position as GOD's right hand man. "
"GODS don't die...they, like you my loving father, will live on forever. You have lived an untarnished and unblemished life. So pure, so perfect, so larger than life. You are forever immortal. "
"My Dearest Theio Andoni You will be truly missed. You were a Father to me when My Father passed and the only Grandfather to my Son. The memories of your kindness , your love and genuine persona will be eternal . I will never forget you and will always love you. May you Rest In Peace. ???? ????????? ???? ??? ???? ??? ?? ??? ????????? ??? ?? ?????? ? ??????? ???. ???? ?? ??? ????? ??? ??? ??? ?????? ??? ?????? ???., ?? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ??? ???????? ??? ????. ???? ?????? ???? ??"
"To the Mandros Family: your father was so good to us as teenagers, hanging out in the restaurant for hours on end! Such a generous hard working man. My thoughts are with you all. Cristina (Castonguay) Hartley."
"I STILL DON'T BELIEVE IT I'M LOST FOR WORDS. YOU WERE SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME YOU WERE LIKE MY SECOND DAD. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY. LOVE YOUR COCONUT!!!!!!"
"So sad to hear. As kids and even as adults we were always at A-1 pizza! He was such a nice guy??"
"It is with a heavy heart that I send love and prayers to the Mandros family. Tony God has called you home, no more pain and suffering. Rest In Peace my friend, we will always love you."
"Pappou For 34 years I have been blessed to have you as my Pappou But the entire family and extended family/friends were also fortunate to call you their Pappou. Your smile lit up the room your words impacted so many and your kind heart healed every time we needed healing. I have seen you cry twice my entire life, once when I got diabetes and the other, well when you and yiayia lost me in Disney; let?s face it I was always faster than you!! You Showed me what true work ethic and family really is. Everything that you have taught me I am going to pass along to your great granddaughter and make sure your memory is always carried through her. She loved you she?s always looking for you and I know she?s never going to stop; the impact you made in her life in only three years was great and she loves you! You created a bond with Zoe That you had with your own grandchildren you never put one of us before the other and you never put one family member before the other.. you had the true heart of gold. I could go on and on about how much you are loved and how much you changed me for the better but I will continue to speak with you every day and I know you?re listening. You fly high my angel and you continue to watch over our family from above. I know you?re up there having a drink driving around in your Buick! "
"I?m am so sad to hear about Tony?s passing. He was so good to me when I was you and always hanging out at A-1 Pizza. I tell my children about his great sense of humor when ever we eat there or even just pass by. I enjoyed teasing him and spending time just laughing and joking with him even though he sometimes scared me when he told me he was planning on marrying me off to his son.. lol what a great guy???? He will always be part of great memories growing up with the best pizza and hangout place in Newport."
"I am so very sorry for your loss. He was always a joy to see .My children ,now in their 40's loved to go to see Mr Mandros. Love this family."
"Pappou Tony, I have so much love and admiration for you. I will never forget coming every Summer, and spending time with you and the rest of the family. My Grandma always loved coming to see her brother. You created such a great family. You were the closest thing to a Grandpa I have ever had. I love you so much. Have a safe trip. "
"To think it was 40 years ago I worked for you, and the family. Always stopped by when you were still there, because you always treated me well. Always made me feel welcomed. Voula, John, Angie, and Arthur, My heart goes out to you at this time. Of course to the rest of the family, and all whom loved your Dad. Rest In Peace Tony With Love, Randylyn"
"Dear Voula, John, Angeliki and Arthur, I am heartbroken to read about Anton?s passing. John, what a thoughtful and touching tribute you wrote about your dad. He was a genuinely warm, kind spirited and gentle man, the kind of person we have too few of in this world. I will always fondly remember all of the wonderful time I spent in my childhood visiting Anton and Voula, yiayia Marina and all the other Mandros family members when they lived in NYC. Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies and may his memory be eternal. "
"Dear Voula, John, Angeliki and Arthur, I am heartbroken to read about Anton?s passing. He was a warm-hearted and genuinely sincere man. I will always fondly remember the many wonderful days I spent in my youth visiting Antony and Voula, yiayia Marina and all of the Mandros siblings in NYC. John, what a touching and beautifully composed obituary you wrote for your father; it truly captured the essence of the man. May his memory be eternal. "
"Pappou Tony, you were the best of the best, truly one of a kind. Nothing will ever beat the summers spent in Rhode Island together. Thank you for everything. I love you, and I?ll miss you. Have a safe trip ??"
"Dad, words can never represent my love and admiration for you. I will continue to strive and hopefully be the man you were.
Your loving son,
Joannis"
"To my sweet, kind, generous, and loving Godfather. I will miss your booming voice, your laughter, and your loving advice. Our last talk, with George, was impactful and unforgettable. You will always be in my heart. Love you, Nono mou. Olga"