Anthony “Tony” Kostas Karalekas, 94, of New Bedford, died September 27, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the beloved husband of the late Nickaletta (Efstathiou) Karalekas and the son of the late Konstantinos Karalekas and Panoula (Kotsilibas) Karalekas.
Anthony was born and raised in New Bedford, MA, where he was proud to live for most of his life. He graduated from New Bedford High School and received his associate degree in business administration from Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA. He honorably served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. It was while stationed at Fort Sheridan that he met his wife Nickaletta of Chicago, IL. Anthony and Nickaletta were married for 56 years and created a beautiful life together.
Anthony inherited State Fruit Company, Inc. in South Dartmouth, MA from his father and uncle. He worked as the co-owner and treasurer until retirement, demonstrating hard work, loyalty, and dedication. His business acumen, along with his easy-going and engaging personality, were drivers for the company’s success.
His faith was also very important to him. He was an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where he served on the Parish Council as both a member and past president. He also volunteered as coach of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association basketball team and generously donated in many ways to church dinners and events. He was also a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), the American Legion Post 1, and DeMolay International.
Anthony was a true family man. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and was especially proud to be a “Papou” and “ProPapou” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always looked forward to annual trips to Lake Winnipesaukee, which included stops at FunSpot and Hart’s Turkey Farm; holidays; traditions, especially the Easter egg cracking tournaments; birthday parties; wiffle ball games; and going out to eat, starting with calamari and ending with tapioca pudding. An avid sports fan, he loved going to Providence College basketball games (especially when they played Villanova), and watching the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins.
He spent the last year of his life at the Autumn Glen Assisted Living Facility in Dartmouth, MA, where he made many friends and loved playing bingo and horseshoes, participating in other various activities, and going on field trips.
Survivors include his 3 children, Charles Karalekas and his wife Georgia (Boudouris) Karalekas of Wilmington, MA, Paula (Karalekas) Martin and her husband Anthony Martin of Dartmouth, MA, and Dr. Christopher Karalekas of Shrewsbury, MA; 3 grandchildren, Athena (Karalekas) Concannon and her husband Tim Concannon of Wakefield, MA, Anthony Karalekas of Framingham, MA, and Gregory Martin of New Bedford, MA; 2 great-grandchildren, Mia Concannon and Nicholas Concannon of Wakefield, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
Anthony was the father of the late Betsy Fay Karalekas, the grandfather of the late Andrea Karalekas, the father-in-law of the late Bob Sabatalo, and the brother of the late Anastasia (Karalekas) Makrys and the late James K. Karalekas.
Anthony will always be remembered for his infectious smile, sunny disposition, and caring nature.
Family and friends will gather for a funeral service at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Cross Rd, Dartmouth, MA on Saturday, October 7th at 9:30 AM. Please go directly to the church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday, October 6th from 4pm-8pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, MA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can also be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 79411 Dartmouth, MA 02747. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.