Anthony “Tony” Psaltis
It is with a heavy heart that the family announces the passing of Anthony “Tony” Psaltis, on October 30, 2010, after a brief battle with leukemia.
Born in San Francisco in 1934 to Sprio and Calliope Psaltis, he followed in his brother, Art’s, footsteps as a wonderful son, and quickly found a love for the game of basketball during junior high years at Everett Junior High. After being elected to All-City honors in both 1951 and 1952, an being named CIF Player of the Year-Northern Section in 1952 while at Mission High School, he chose the University of Southern California on full scholarship. He was a proud member and eventually president of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. It was on to varsity his sophomore year, as Tony lead the Trojans to unprecedented heights that season, reaching the Final Four. No USC basketball team has reached the Final Four since. Elected captain in his senior year, he received MVP honors, and All-Coast honors. During his time at USC, he met Phyllis Angel, who would become his wife a few years later. As a Helen of Troy, Phyllis and Tony became a campus couple and married in 1957. Tony considered a pro career, but decided on serving his country in the military in both the Marine Corp and Army. He finished his duties and returned to US as an assistant head coach under Forrest Twogood, 1959-66. After coaching, he became owner/operator of Guarantee Pest Control Company, in which he was providing personal service with his special touch until his passing. He moved to north Glendale in 1962 and lived there for 48 years. The community and neighbors became his extended family.
Family, friends, and life were his loves. His caring, devotion, grand impression, sense of humor and overwhelming generosity were just some of the many qualities that made this man truly unforgettable by those who knew him for decades or only greeted him one time. He would show an interest on the simple man, just as much as a diplomat. He was active in many groups, including the USC basketball program, AHEPA, the Masonic Lodge, The Squires, and served as a director of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.
He is survived by his three loving children, Spiro (JoAnne), Arthur (Tamara), and Katherine Psaltis Spooner (Tom). He loved his grandchildren who were so fortunate to have known their loving and proud Papou; Anthony, Nicholas, Jonathan, Callie, Troy, Robbie, and Sophia.
He was preceded in death by his father, Spiro; mother, Calliope; brother, Art; and the mother of his children, his late wife, Phyllis. Funeral services include a Rosary on Monday, November 15 at 7:00 pm. The Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, November 16, starting at 10:30 a.m. with a gathering to remember Tony immediately after the service in the church hall. Both services will be held at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie, Los Angeles, CA. The grave site service will be a private affair for the family at Forest Lawn in Glendale, immediately following the Tuesday service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for your consideration in donating to the USC basketball program. Please send your thoughtful donations to; USC Basketball Scholarship Program c/o Ron Orr. University of Southern California/Heritage Hall Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602.