Tony Peter Vrotsos

Tony Peter Vrotsos, 91, passed away peacefully the evening of December 18, 2015 at Villagio Senior Living Center in Plano, Texas. Tony was born to Pandazis and Maria Vrotsos in Sabraton, West Virginia on March 7, 1924. Upon his graduation from high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp where he served in WWII in the Pacific Theater as a flight engineer on a B-29 in the 462nd Bomber Squadron. After the war was over he played football on scholarship at the University of West Virginia where he eventually earned his BS in mechanical engineering.

After graduation, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas to work for Convair (eventually General Dynamics) as a test pilot on the B-58 program. Tony had an illustrious 41 year career at General Dynamics. His greatest accomplishment was designing the exterior lines of the F-16 fighter. Shortly after moving to Fort Worth, Tony met and then eventually married his wife of 62 years Evelyn. Tony and Evelyn had two children Ann and Thomas. Family was the center of Tony's universe and it was with family that he was happiest. In later years his grandchildren Anthony and Kat were the apples of his eyes, along with his daughter in law Veronica. He also adored his extended family on both sides and had many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Tony had a special warmth around him and was a happy sweet soul. He could light up a room and touched the hearts of many. He loved music of all kinds and loved to sing and dance. Even after dementia took his speaking voice he loved to sing.

Tony suffered from dementia since 2000. During that time, his life was improved greatly through the help of caregivers. We'd like to thank them all... For years, his personal caregivers were Kathy Rauch, Nick Norcross and Katy Norcross. Tony spent several years at Friends Place Daycare Center. And the last 2 years at Villagio Senior Living Center. All gave Tony excellent care.

Tony is survived by his wife Evelyn, daughter Ann, son Tom, daughter in law Veronica, grandchildren Anthony and Kat, brother Nick, sister Daisy Gocsik and a host of loving nieces and nephews. Tony is preceded in death by his parents Pandazis and Maria, sister Lorraine Fallieras, brothers Gus, Pete, John, George, and James.

A Memorial Service / Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in memorial to the Alzheimer's Association: http://act.alz.org.