On Tuesday, January 17, 2012, after a lengthy illness, Anthony Viltrakis, our beloved father passed into the waiting arms of the love of his life, Juanita Louise Viltrakis. He was surrounded by his children and loving caregivers in his home. Heart no loner broken and now in God's embrace, we are saddened and yet grateful that he resides once more with is love in paradise.

Dad was born in Dalton, PA in 1931, youngest of five brothers and raised by his widowed mother on a dairy farm there and later in Scranton, PA. After joining the Air Force in 1950, Dad's career in communications took him to Korea, North Africa, Turkey, Iceland and other locales. After being stationed in a small tracking station near Ajo Arizona, he says his life truly began when he met and married our mother Juanita. Taken into her family as one of their own, he felt truly surrounded by more than just his family back east.
His duty to Country and Service was known to all that knew him and unhesitating if not frustrating to Mom. In 28 years in the Air Force he went wherever, whenever called. Missiles, payloads and preparedness were his specialty. He chose his longest and best duty station, Vandenberg AFB and its surrounds to continue his career after retirement. Another 23 years were happily spent at the Tracking Station under Ford Aerospace, Loral, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. For these postings and the people that he encountered over the years, he felt honored for the positions and deeply respectful those around him.
Upon retirement, at last (thought Mom) he and Mom were finally free to be the wonderful Grampa and Gramma that we all thought would see us through the growth and maturity of our own children. In 2006 Mom was taken after 52 years of marriage. She was forever his bride and possessing all of his heart. Dad never recovered from this loss. Despite all-encompassing love and attention by his family, he eventually became dependent on others for care. But he had laid the ground-work that enable care in his home by his loving caregivers. Over the years and most difficult in the final days but at the ready and without hesitation were Cherry and Mary Lu. You two ladies are like family. We are so deeply grateful to you. We are so appreciative and made better knowing of the years care Dad received from Dr. Dale Eckstrom and his outstanding office staff. We also gratefully acknowledge compassionate care under Dr. Reimer during Dad's recent hospitalization.

Anthony is survived by his children- George Anthony (Amy Letts) Viltrakis of Salcha, AK; James J. Viltrakis of Santa Maria, CA; Stephen L. (Michele Eichhorn) Viltrakis of Hydesville, CA; David W. Viltrakis of Santa Maria, CA; Mary E. (Charles "Chip") Cooper of Santa Maria, CA.
He is also survived by Grand children- Mathew (Melissa), Broderick and Bryce Cooper of Santa Maria, CA; Adorthus Cherry of Modesto, CA; Amanda, Lindsey, Luke and Molly Viltrakis of Salcha AK, Anthony and Joseph Viltrakis of Hydesville, CA; and Great Grand Children Cameron and Lexi.

Anthony was preceded in death by his angel and wife Juanita, parents Joseph and Elizabeth and brothers John, Joseph, William and Frank.

Graveside services will be 3 pm Friday, January 20, 2012 at the Lompoc Cemetery. Visitation hours will be from noon until service time at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.

Good Bye Dad and enjoy the Garden with Mom.