Obituary of Anthony John Rakas

Anthony John Rakas “Tony” 12/25/1919 – 9/18/2011 “Beloved patriarch of our family.” Surrounded by members of his loving family, our wonderful Tony passed away in his Parkland, WA home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 91. Anthony was born in Youngstown, OH, the youngest of 3 sons born to Joseph and Stephania (Norville) Rakas. His father left the family while he was still very young, leaving his mother, a domestic housekeeper and Lithuanian immigrant, to raise the brothers on her own. They moved to Ambridge, PA, where Anthony attended school, graduating from Ambridge High School in 1940. Almost immediately after his graduation, he voluntarily enlisted in the US Army. His eldest brother, Joseph, enlisted into the military as well, both served in Europe during WWII. Sadly, only one of them was to make it out of the war. While Anthony served as a medic, treating the injured during battle, Joseph was a paratrooper and, while jumping over Germany on D-Day, was killed by gunfire before he reached the ground. Anthony was, of course, devastated by the loss of his brother, but continued to proudly serve his country until the war ended. Along with an Honorable Discharge, he also received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his service. Upon his release, he settled in Tacoma, WA. It was here he began attending Pacific Lutheran College. In 1950 Anthony met, began courting, and soon married the woman who would be the love of his life, Lenora Lomax. A few months later, in 1951, Anthony received his Bachelors of Education and began teaching at Central School in downtown Tacoma. Here he taught 6th graders, working a great deal with children who were visually impaired. In the autumn of 1952, right around Thanksgiving, Anthony and Lenora welcomed into the world their first child, a son they named Joseph, after Anthony’s fallen brother. About 18 months later, in April of 1954, they also received a daughter, Jennifer. There was never a more happy or proud father. During his teaching career, Anthony found time to further his education and set an example for his children, earning his Master’s Degree in Science from Portland State University in 1971. He continued teaching for several more years, finally retiring in 1978. Over the years to come, Anthony’s close-knit family would grow and spread out. He would acquire several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, daughter-in-laws and son-in-laws. Many happy years filled his long life. Anthony loved to fish, and absolutely loved to spend time with his family who loved him dearly, and will miss him even more. Anthony was preceded in death by his mother, Stephania (Norville) Rakas; and his brothers, Joseph and Peter Rakas. He is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 60 years, Lenora (Lomax) Rakas; his children, Joseph and Mary (Arnold) Rakas, John and Jennifer (Rakas) Anderson; his grandchildren: Stephania, Lucas, Timmy, Sarah, Heidi, Joey, and A.J.; and his great-grandchildren: Morgan, Tucker, and Ethan. An open-house will be held in his honor and memory this Saturday, September 24, 2011. It will be held at his daughter’s home.