Anthony G. Zaras

Anthony G. Zaras of Mt. Lebanon died peacefully on April 6, 2026, at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Becky Zaras. Anthony was the true embodiment of the “American Dream” in the 20th century, and his story will resonate with many other European immigrants to Western Pennsylvania.
 

Anthony was born in Ikaria, Greece in 1933. As a child, he and his family survived famine during Nazi Germany’s occupation of his island in World War II, and immigrated to the United States in 1948, settling in Steubenville, Ohio. In Steubenville, he picked up what would become a life-long love of photography and was the photographer for the Steubenville High School “Big Red” football team. Anthony honorably served in the United States Army for three years, stationed at Fort Eustis, near Newport News, Virginia. Following his military service, Anthony worked at U.S. Steel for seven years, then 25 years with Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation. Anthony and Becky married in 1962 shortly after meeting at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Oakland, where Anthony served for many years on the parish council. The couple lived in Oakland near their church for several years and in 1969, Anthony, Becky and their two children moved to Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.  Anthony spent much of his time tending to his garden but was most widely known in his neighborhood for growing nearly two-dozen Mediterranean fig trees, which lined his driveway in large pots. Anthony was a member of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood’s Chapter, Ikaros for several decades. He was also a Freemason for 64 years and a Shriner.
 

Anthony always had his Greek and Ikarian persona. His grandchildren often found him taking an afternoon nap on the century-old glider on his front porch when they walked to his house from school. He loved taking his time using his home-grown vegetables and cooking Ikarian recipes from his village of Christo, in Greece. Anthony never drove his Buick above the speed limit and was quick to say “everybody’s in a hurry” when another driver passed him. As an immigrant from a war-torn country, Anthony’s resourcefulness and thriftiness was astounding. He almost always found another use for something broken and always had creative ideas for items that most would discard. Anthony enjoyed sitting and talking for hours with anyone about finances, property taxes, and growing tomatoes. Quality time with old and new friends and neighbors on the front porch was cherished, but Anthony's absolute joy, love, and passion was precious time shared with his family. 
 

Anthony was preceded in death by his son, George A. Zaras (d. 2021), and his parents, George A. Zaras (d. 1976) and Helen (Loizos) Zaras (d. 1999). Anthony is survived by his daughter, Athena Petrolias (Jamie), daughter-in-law Kristen (Collins) Zaras, and grandchildren John Petrolias (Rachel), Anthony Petrolias (Meagan), Parker Zaras, Preston Zaras, and Lauren Zaras. Visitation will take place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral (419 S. Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213) Monday, April 13, 2026 at 10AM and immediately followed by funeral services at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 416 S. Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or the Pan-Icarian Foundation, P.O. Box 79037, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

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