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Tony Suitor Obituary
Tony Suitor, lovingly known as "Tony Senior," "Big Tony," and "PT," passed away on April 2, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the age of 75. He was blessed with 25 additional years of life following a heart transplant and lived each day with gratitude and purpose.
Tony was married for 51 years to Sandie (Arbogast) Suitor, the love of his life. Together they raised four children: Tony (Alisa) of Valley Center, CA; Andy (Suzanne) of Irvine, CA; Katie of Oceanside, CA; and Heidi of Oceanside, CA. He cherished his five grandchildren-Aidan, TJ, Kenzie, Irene, and Evylin-and treasured living near them over the past five years.
A devoted servant of Christ, Tony dedicated his life to ministry. He served as Junior High Youth Pastor at Community Bible Church in Cedar Lake, IN; Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Merrillville, IN; Senior Pastor at Carol Stream Baptist Church in Carol Stream, IL (1975-1988); Senior Pastor at Glasford Baptist Church in Glasford, IL (1989-2002); and Lead Pastor at Hillside Community Church in Crown Point, IN (2002-2020). In his later years, he ministered to the senior community at Valley Center Community Church.
Tony had a deep passion for missions and led teams to Trinidad and Tobago and various locations across the United States. His favorite scripture was Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," a verse he chose as a teenager and lived by throughout his life. His favorite book of the Bible was Philippians, stating it "Gives a foundation for purpose and joy in living."
He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Mildred (Clements) Suitor and parents-in-law Rowland and Lola (Boyd) Arbogast. He is remembered by his sisters Linda (Greg) Zimmerman of Flanagan, IL; Fran (John) Mathis of Portage, IN; brother-in-law John Arbogast of Crown Point, IN; and seven beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 2, 2025, at Valley Center Community Church in Valley Center, CA. Visitation begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the service at 6:30 p.m., with fellowship afterward. Livestream available via the church's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vccclife
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local church's youth programs in honor of Tony's lifelong mission to reach the next generation for Christ.
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Irene A Doty
July 14, 2025
To all of Tony's family: So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I graduated from Crown Point High School, Crown Point, Indiana back in 1967 with Tony. All of us over here at Crown Point just saw the posting of Tony's passing. Continue prayers to all of his family and friends. Will surely miss him. P.S. I had no idea that him and wife had moved out to California.
Larry & BETTY ADMIRE
May 3, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jenni Villalobos
April 29, 2025
VBS 2021 - Tony Sr´s passion for sharing Christ with our youth
Merrilou George
April 29, 2025
Tony will always be remembered as a kind, and wonderful man. He´ll be greatly missed. Sandie, you and your family will be in my prayers. Merrilou George
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Ed and Irene Welch
April 17, 2025
Dear Friends and relatives of Tony. When we arrived in Carol Stream, Il in late 1981 from Bangladesh after our 12 years of service there, we started attending Carol Stream Baptist. Tony, along with his dear wife Sandi and their kids, became friends right away. Our kids, (Mark, Stephen, and Cathy Ruth), were about the same age as Tony, Andy and Katie. They were in Awana together and became friends right away. Their whole family helped us weary missionaries adjust to life in America. Tony was such a great pastor, and was so kind and helpful to us. We loved the whole family, and the people at Carol Stream Baptist, and still do. Our prayers are with you in this time of loss. -- Ed and Irene Welch from SIM's retirement village in Sebring, FL.
Renate Muehlfelt ( Boyd )
April 16, 2025
Thanks for being in my children´s life!
Mary Boyd Wegner
April 16, 2025
Pastor Tony was truly a man of God. He baptized me as a teenager and officiated at my wedding. All Glory to God!
Mark Shipman
April 12, 2025
My sincere condolences go out to Tony´s family in this time of sorrow. He was a great man of Christ, husband, father, cousin, and friend. He will be truly missed.
Mark Shipman
Bonnie June Newsam-Nuhn
April 10, 2025
Many heartfelt condolences to Sandi and all pastor Tony's family and friends. So very sorry. I have many good memories of his years at Glasford Baptist .. God Bless all his family. Warmly, Bonnie Newsam-Nuhn
Joanne Harbhajan
April 9, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the Suitor Family. Pastor Tony sent Mission Trips to our country Trinidad and Tobago . Pastor Joseph and I were the host from San Juan Evangelical Church. A wonderful Pastor and we are still connected to Glasford Baptist Church who are a beautiful Church Family. Our prayers are with the family.
Kelvin and Jody Saunders
April 9, 2025
PT's name automatically brings a smile to our faces. Oh, the memories! I was privileged to take a missions trip to Trinidad from little GBC because of his vision for young people to step out of their comfort zone, in the name of Jesus. Then 6 years later, I was privileged to have PT marry me to my husband whom I had met on that trip to Trinidad. As Kelvin and I celebrate 24 years of marriage this month we remember his wise Biblical counsel, his generous heart, the twinkle in his eye, and think of him whenever we sing his favorite hymn "Day by Day".
Our prayers are for his beautiful family as they walk this Earth without him. May the joy of where He is now and your precious memories fuel you daily until you see him again. Love and prayers from your Saunders/Cook family.
Karen Reynoso
April 8, 2025
I was blessed and honored to have known such a beautiful soul. A man who loved his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ and the living word of God. We know he is rejoicing in Glory and is no longing suffering. Tony will be greatly missed by many because he touched so many lives in the name of Christ.
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