05/28/2026
ՄԱՀԱԶԴ - OBITUARY – MAHAZT
Dear Parishioners, Community Members and Friends,
It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the passing of Anthony J. Vraim, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the age of 77.
Anthony J. Vraim, born Anthony J. Vraimopoulos, 77, passed away suddenly on May 20, 2026, at his home in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Born on July 11, 1948, to the late John and Christina (Matsios) Vraimopoulos.
Anthony, Tony to most, was an extremely patriotic American, and equally proud Greek American. He ensured to educate his children of their family lineage, from freedom fighters against the Turks, to their coming to the United States; founding multiple businesses in Wildwood, Philadelphia, and Delaware County.
In his early years, Tony resided in Philadelphia until his father moved the family to the current location of Vraim Funeral Home, 66 S. State Road, Upper Darby. This is the place where he would leave his biggest mark on his beloved community, Greek and non-Greek. He was extremely thankful to be adopted by the Armenian and Albanian communities and felt right at home with them respectively.
After graduating from Upper Darby High School where with much success, he wrestled and competed as a gymnast, as well as sang in the choir. Tony attended Temple University and American Academy McAllister Institute, mortuary science school. After graduating, while working for his father at the funeral home, he served as Delaware County Coroner and officially took over his father’s business in 1979. He devoted the next forty years to faithfully serving his community. During this time, he met his first wife Michele, and they began raising their family.
Tony possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, devouring books and embracing a lifelong passion for learning. Fluent and literate and in multiple languages, he took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with others. He often spoke at local schools and volunteered as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. He especially loved educating children on any subject. His grandchildren frequently turned to him with their endless questions, knowing he would always have an answer, a story, or a bit of wisdom to share.
Tony had many passions throughout his life; including scuba diving, skiing, surfing, riding his BMW motorcycle, sailing, classical music, camping, the opera, and traveling. He was continuously searching for opportunities to involve his sons in all of his interests.
Participating in the theater was another passion of his. It is there that he met his beloved wife Jennifer, the two were in their element when supporting each other through their various theater productions, eventually founding a theater group in their local community in Brigantine, New Jersey. The couple retired in Atlantic City, where they spent their years traveling the world and fulfilling his dream of living on the water.
Tony was a devoted member of St. Demetrios Church and served as parish council president, choir director, as well as past president of AHEPA.
Tony was a Merchant Mariner achieving his Master Captain Unlimited License and avidly supported multiple veteran’s organizations.
Tony was a man of great principle, he has taught his sons countless life lessons through words, but more so by actions. He believed in leading by example, showing his sons the importance and impact of helping others with kindness, generosity, and compassion.
He will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind. His loving wife Jennifer Smith, his admiring sons Michael (Jennifer), and David (Amber), his adoring grandchildren, Gabriella, Anthony John “AJ” (his namesake), Lila, and Emily. He is also survived by his sister, Connie (Ken) Matty, several nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as Albert (Lori) LaBriccioso who he grew to love like a brother as they worked side by side for thirty years.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation, Thursday May 28, 2026, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at, St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 229 Powell Ln, Upper Darby, PA 19082.
Those in the funeral industry are invited to a visitation, Thursday May 28, 2026, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
A second visitation will be held in the church on Friday May 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m., followed by his funeral service to begin at 11 a.m.
Burial at sea at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations in Tony’s name be made to your respective church or a charitable organization of your choice. They also ask that you consider giving someone in your life, that may need it, a little assistance in his memory.
May the Lord illuminate his soul in His eternal Kingdom and grant peace to the surviving members of the family.
