Tony J. Vacca

November 24, 1926 - March 24, 2005

Obituary

Anthony “Tony” J. Vacca

Anthony ”Tony” Vacca, 78, died in the company of his family on Thursday evening after suffering a large stroke on Monday. Tony was born and raised in Burien and was the jovial co-owner of Sunnydale Market and later the ”whistling Produce Manager” at Albertson’s Five Corners. Upon retiring from Albertson’s, Tony helped out at the Pike Place market with his great-nephew, Frank Genzale. He loved the activity of the Market and ”the kids” he worked with….and everyone loved Tony. He enjoyed everyone; especially his family.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty, and children and spouses, Janis Tim Kelly, Karen Steven Rea, Diane Andy Ryan, and son, John. He has 7 grandchildren; David, Kara Lance, Sean, Ryan, Karly, Adam, and Hayley. He is also survived by his sister, Angelina ”Babe” Frank Yellam, and a large and loving extended family.

Viewing to be held 4-8 PM Tuesday, March 29, at BONNEY-WATSON, Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, 206 242-1787. Funeral mass to be held 11AM Wednesday, March 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15216 21st. Ave. SW, Burien, Viewing at church will begin at 10:00AM. Donations may be made to Burien Fire Dept., 15100 – 8th Avenue SW, Burien, 98166 Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com

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Deane Middleton
Deane Middleton
4 years ago

Dear Janice,

I happened to see your father’s obituary notice in the paper and I just wanted to express my sympathies. I remember going to your dad’s store after school with you. He had Vargas calendars the back room and I thought they were fascinating. I saw your photo online and you are absolutely stunning and look so happy. I hope life has been good to you. I will always have fond memories of our friendship. From your old friend, Deanie MurthaMiddleton

Sue Acheson
Sue Acheson
4 years ago

Uncle Tony Used to call me Suzalee when he saw me instead of Susie. I always got a kick out of that. I have such fun,& enduring memories of him. What a great uncle! So fun and full of life. It’s so hard to have him leave us so quick but I know his spirit will be with all of us always. My prayers are with you Auntie Betty, Janis, Karen, Diane and John. And don’t worry, Dad and Auntie Rose will take good care of their little brother. My love, Susie

Barbara / Don Montgomery
Barbara / Don Montgomery
4 years ago

John and family… Please accept our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow.

Don and Barb

Joe&LouiseGeimer
Joe&LouiseGeimer
4 years ago

We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolances.

Doug and Linda Hardwick Waltenburg
Doug and Linda Hardwick Waltenburg
4 years ago

Tony touched so many lives. If we have a choice on how our life ends…it would be just like Tony’s. To have it end quickly and to be with family.

What a special man with a wonderful family and friends that will remember all of his great qualities.

With our love…Doug and Linda

Randy Forsberg
Randy Forsberg
4 years ago

Dear Betty,Janis,Karen,Diane and John,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tony will be sorely missed! He was always an upbeat person with a smile on his face! I can remember him being that way when I was just a little kid visiting your house over by Sea-Tac,

learning how to play bocci ball and playing with a piano that played itself. I also enjoyed playing golf with him and his buddies on Wednesdays when I could. I am sure that my Dad is very happy to meet up with his good buddy once again! Take care, Randy Forsberg and Family

Paul and Dorothy Henry
Paul and Dorothy Henry
4 years ago

Our hearts go out to Tony’s family. He was a bright spot in all our lives. Paul was privileged to work with Tony. He was Paul’s mentor, friend, and golf buddy. The Italian dinner will never be the same.

Art Olsen
Art Olsen
4 years ago

Art Olsen artichokeesq@hotmail.com

I’M sorry to see in the paper yesterday and today that you lost your man, so now all you got left is me, your #1 boy-friend ha,ha……

Since I seen you last, I had one of my short stories to tell you,if you don’t mind…..4 Yrs. ago I had two seizurers and one more at the hospital, as I didn’t believe in eating more than one meal a day during work and then come home and have a couple of hi-balls and do that for a year or so and it finally caught up to me, this happened one night on the weekend and one of my neighbor came home and seen my frontroom on and looked in the window and seen me on the floor and called 911, next thing I knew I was at the hospital a few days later…..Now I’m at an assisted Living home EAGLE RIDGE LODGE INSIDE RENTON city limits, on the SE corner under the power lines on the hill….Well I hope you do okay, whatever you do don’t give up!!!!!!!I’m just learning on this thing, so don’t be afraid to send a msg. to me……Bye for now…….

Art Olsen artichokeesq@hotmail.com

Sally & Rich Newton
Sally & Rich Newton
4 years ago

I’ll miss that happy gentle spirit on the early morning bus ride into Seattle!! Tony always sat right up front and greeted all who got on the bus with his infecteous smile! We’ll miss him!

Sally

Dena
Dena
4 years ago

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved one’s Tony has left behind. My sister Carmen and brother Duane both had the privelage of working with Tony, they have fond memories of him. Rest in peace Tony. Your wonderful personality will be missed.

The Camerota Family

Gary and Jan Scott
Gary and Jan Scott
4 years ago

It has been a very long time since I have seen Tony, but I will always have wonderful memories. His constant smile and outlook on life will always remain with me. Our deepest sympathies and our prayers will be with you.

Gary and Jan Scott

Mrs. Dominic Di Pietro
Mrs. Dominic Di Pietro
4 years ago

From my heart, I am sorry for your loss. I am sure he is making a bright spot in heaven, as he did while here.

Dan & Bonnie Rice
Dan & Bonnie Rice
4 years ago

None of us really knows for sure what’s in store for us after we’ve said our good bye’s from this life… What ever it may be, a lot of good people are already there. That’s a comfort for those of us still wondering in this life.

Linda Hendrick Poelzer
Linda Hendrick Poelzer
4 years ago

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Mrs. Vacca. My family, my mom, and my sister all send our condolences.

We lived next door to Mr. Vacca and his family when I was growing up, and I remember how he used to lovingly mow his lawn with the old fashioned mower in the evenings. Our yard never looked as good as his, except the part where he came over on our lawn a little bit.

The Hendrick Family

Kim and Tina Christiansen
Kim and Tina Christiansen
4 years ago

We’re so sorry and our thoughts are with you all.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world just a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

Gene A Ostlund
Gene A Ostlund
4 years ago

good bye neighbor

pepper peterson
pepper peterson
4 years ago

Butch and I are so sorry for your loss. Tony was a good guy and we remember him with fondness. I have a vivid picture of him helping you, Betty, to carry in all your paintings to the Issaquah Art in the Barn. When he was finished helping you he helped me. I thought he was so sweet. I know you will all miss him terribly, but you have all those wonderful years of memories.

With Love, Pepper & Butch

Guy Middleton
Guy Middleton
4 years ago

I enjoyed having dinner with the Vacca family, especially sitting next to Tony where the food originated and that stupid “mac” spoon with no handle. Tony was always happy and made others the same.

Antonio and Sophia Vacca Morella
Antonio and Sophia Vacca Morella
4 years ago

With deepest sympathy at the loss of your love one. One of God’s greatest treasures is the memories that you will care forever

Patty Barber
Patty Barber
4 years ago

How we will miss our young Uncle Tony! He was always fun and upbeat.

God definitely knew how Uncle Tony would want to leave us–no lingering around for him!

We are all so fortunate to have had him in our lives. Our memories bring many smiles.

May God bless all of you who are missing him so much.

Patty Yellamand Keith Barber

Gary Kerns
Gary Kerns
4 years ago

Take care, my friend. From Yankee fan.

Al Matsumoto
Al Matsumoto
4 years ago

Tony was one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever met. He always had a wonderful greeting whenever I would see him.

Curves
Curves
4 years ago

Dear Betty, our thoughts are with you and we miss you.

The Curves Gals, Stacie, Linda Heft, Kellia, Laura, Julie, Sue, Linda Shaw & Sandy.

Bonnie Moore
Bonnie Moore
4 years ago

I am so sorry for you loss. Tony will also be very missed by all his friends at Trader Joe’s. Tony was a bright spot in our store whenever he stopped in.

It just won’t be the same without his happy nature bringing a little cheeriness into our lives.

Bonnie Moore Bonnie DeZarn’s niece

Dorinda Cunningham
Dorinda Cunningham
4 years ago

To Betty, Janice, Karen, Diane, John, his grandchildren and all who love him..

Your lives are forever bittersweet. On the one hand, you have lost one of the brightest stars in your life, but in reading all of these entries, you have the pleasure of knowing how much Tony was loved by all and how much he will be missed. God bless this family and God bless Tony, who is now one of God’s brightest stars.

Dorinda

Steve and Leslie Harvey
Steve and Leslie Harvey
4 years ago

We didn’t get the honor of meeting Mr. Vacca. Janis is our dear friend and we are told that she is his kindred spirit so we are sure we would have loved him! Janis is so special to us and we look forward to hearing many wonderful stories about Mr. Vacca!

Dick & Nell Verdi Applestone
Dick & Nell Verdi Applestone
4 years ago

Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are of you.

Martha and Richard Lim
Martha and Richard Lim
4 years ago

To Tony’s Family –

What an honor it was to have met and known such a wonderful man. He always brought smiles and good cheer to everyone he spoke to – and that was a lot of people! He will be missed, but will be remembered with great fondness.

Nancy Kemas
Nancy Kemas
4 years ago

Working at Trader Joe’s, I always enjoyed meeting and talking with Tony. If our Captain, Mike Hoffman wasn’t around, Tony would always ask ” Where’s the Boss ?

Bonnie and Edward Moya
Bonnie and Edward Moya
4 years ago

Dear Betty and family, Tony was so special. A person we will never forget. May he rest in peace. Our hearts are breaking for you all.

With Love, Bonnie and Ed

Daily Perk Cafe & Gifts
Daily Perk Cafe & Gifts
4 years ago

Dear Betty, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I think about you each time I go by the apt. bldg. and see your beautiful art work in the window. Hope to see you at the Perk soon. Regards Sherryl

Sue Morris
Sue Morris
4 years ago

Dear Betty, I am so sorry and I miss your smile & friendship each morning. I look forward to your coming back. Sincerely, Sue

Ken & Edie Gordon
Ken & Edie Gordon
4 years ago
Gene Cash
Gene Cash
4 years ago

We used to fish in the creek and pull vegies for lunch. Moma Vacca made the best spaget and their red wine was excellant. Haven’t seen Tony or Angi for many many years. Hope Tony had a good life.

Henry Lazzar
Henry Lazzar
4 years ago

Dear Betty

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tony was a wonderful person.

Regards

Hank Lazzar

Claxton and Carolyn Rea
Claxton and Carolyn Rea
4 years ago

Our sympathy to the Vacca extended families. We were not around Tony very often but we did enjoy visiting with him and Betty.

Gail Powell/ Raquel Neill
Gail Powell/ Raquel Neill
4 years ago

Mrs. Vacca & family,

The memories of my childhood wouldn’t be complete without thinking of your family. Making the cute grociery store quest,with some change in my pocket, for candy of coarse. The Vacca garden’s & jolly Tony enjoying the people, with a sparkle in his eye. Blessing’s to you all, Love Gail & Raquel

Roxann Genzale
Roxann Genzale
4 years ago

Dear Betty,Janice,Karen,Diane&John, I want to extend my deepest heartfelt condolonces to all of you and your family. Having also lost my wonderful Father I know how difficult it is and how heavy your heart feels. Uncle Tony always called me Roxy and always followed it with “you know I always liked you better than those brothers of yours, your alot cuter” then he’d flash his awesome smile. My nickname for him was MTV because he always sang and of course invented the TV!!!

Gods Blessings to you all

Love, Roxy