Thomas Arhontas, 78, passed away May 9, 2008 on Whidbey Island.

He was born April 17, 1930 in Chicago, Ill. to the late Helen and Peter Arhontas. He has resided on Whidbey Island since 1995.

Tom served in the Marines during the Korean War. He was discharged with honors in September 1959.

After the Marines, Tom was an auto mechanic, owning his own business in Los Angeles, Calif. for 30 years. He served as district governor of the 20th District of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association in California. Recently he served as commander of the American Legion Post 141 and of VFW Post 7482 on Whidbey Island.

Tom was working for the South Whidbey High School transportation department at the time of his death. He founded the Mobile Turkey Unit in 1999 and he was currently volunteering at the Eagles Aerie. Tom owned and operated Tommy’s Gyros at Bayview. He worked at the fairgrounds cooking each year and at the Highland Games at Greenbank Farm selling food.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Irma Arhontas; his son, Peter Arhontas of San Fernando Valley, Calif.; his daughter, Christine Arhontas-Salas of Las Vegas, Nev.; two grandchildren; a brother, Jim and Mary Arhontas of Chicago; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom never met a stranger, was a friend to many, was loved and will be missed by all.

Memorials can be made to Mobile Turkey Unit at Whidbey Island Bank.

A graveside service is being held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Langley Woodmen Cemetery with military honors followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Immediately following the church service, a reception will be held at the Eagles Aerie in Freeland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.