Tony Mantzuranis

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Tony was the eldest son of Amalia and Jimmy Mantzuranis, proud American citizens who emigrated from Greece. Tony grew up on Lower Greenville Avenue working summers for his Uncle Gus at Little Gus’, from the time he was 8 years old, conversing with all the merchants on Greenville Avenue, along with his brother Chris, selling watermelons and cantaloupes for his parents that owned the Garden Food Store. He attended Greek school in the afternoons to learn to speak and write Greek, while attending Robert E. Lee Elementary School. He served as an altar boy for the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Continuing his education, he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1967, and until the day he died, maintained and nourished his many friendships developed throughout these early years.

In 1972, Tony reached his goal and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. With vitality and perseverance, he then went on to do what he enjoyed doing throughout his life as a businessman and entrepreneur, by rebuilding and opening Little Gus’ Restaurant. It became a legendary institution on Lower Greenville Avenue. It was a hangout for politicians, newspaper writers, neighboring merchants, and businesspeople from all walks of life. Following in his entrepreneurial way, he was joined by Pete Lucas and expanded Little Gus’ to include a Greek cuisine, and opened the wine bar-restaurant Panteli’s, featuring a custom architectural bar. Later, adding to his creative energy and spirit of opportunity, he refurbished and operated Casey’s Lawn Equipment and Repairs, selling good advice and equipment. Tony loved being around people and continued his many ventures by being involved in home and business remodeling, construction, and repairs with his dear friend and work companion, Jose Valenzuela.

Beyond his careers and business ventures, Tony’s life was defined by connections, laughter, and love for family and friends. The “apples of his eyes” were his daughter Rachel whom he loved and always talked about, and his 3 handsome grandsons. A highlight of Tony’s life was to hear, “Papou”, the Greek word for grandfather, spoken with glee and affection by his grandsons. Papou will live forever in their hearts and minds. He was fortunate to reunite with the love of his life and mother of his daughter, Betsy, for the last most joyous 6 years of his life. We will miss Tony who was a gifted raconteur of storytelling, an expert on the economy, or the stock market, willing to do anything for his friends, and always honorable in his business dealings with both customers and employees.

He is survived by wife Elizabeth "Betsy" Hemmingson; daughter Rachel Amelia Mantzuranis and her husband Tony Vanzant; grandchildren Grayson Lee, Barrett George and Miller Patton Vanzant; brother Christos Mantzuranis and his wife Virginia "Genny" Mantzuranis; niece Christina Helwig and her husband Carter; nephew James Mantzuranis and many additional nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.  

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou