Antoun (Tony) I. Ateya
October 29, 1941 – March 9, 2023
Antoun Ateya passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home after a long multi-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 81 and will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Father Ibrahim and Loleya Ateya, his brother Fayez and sisters Afifa, Nadia and Fayza. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan, his son Daniel, daughter in-law Kelly, his grandchildren, Lucas, Michael, Meret, brothers Michel and Ragaie, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tony was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. His father, a well-known priest and leader in the Coptic Orthodox Church was loved and respected by many in their community, and together Tony’s parents instilled in him a belief in the importance of faith, family, strong values and education, that he would carry with him for his entire life.
At the age of 27, Tony immigrated to the United States with degrees in mathematics and education from Ain Shams University in Cairo. Seeking better career opportunities and religious freedom he believed in and proved that the American dream is possible. He moved to Rochester, NY where he met his wife, Susan and established a loving home and family. Tony was a devoted husband and father who was always there for his family. If there is one thing certain, he loved us and we loved him.
He worked for Eastman Kodak and RIT Research Corporation, and earned two master’s degrees from the University of Rochester; one in applied mathematics and one in engineering. He also taught courses in mathematics at RIT and MCC over the years. He was a great teacher and tutor. Tony believed “nothing good comes without hard work” and in evenings, he would often be found working diligently on the tough mathematical and engineering problems he was trying to solve for his job.
As one of the early Egyptians to arrive in the Rochester area, he was a friend to many Egyptian immigrants that later moved to the area and was a strong supporter of the establishment of a Coptic Orthodox Church in Rochester, NY.
Over the decades, he created and maintained many friendships through work, the local community and across the world. Those that were close to him knew he had a kind heart and genuinely cared about them. He often gave advice to those close to him and brought a unique, helpful way of looking at things to help his family and friends out. He enjoyed sparking a great debate on various issues relevant to current events. People will certainly remember enjoying his deep conversations, unique perspectives, and how he could get you engaged in dialogue and often laughing as an outcome.
Tony will be missed by all that knew him and we are proud of all that he contributed and accomplished in his life.
Calling Hours will be held Wednesday March 15, 2023 from 4-6PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location) 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Service will be held Thursday March 16, 2023 at 10AM at Saints Peter & Paul Coptic Orthodox Church, 736 W Main St, Rochester, NY 14611.
Comments
17 responses to “Ateya, Antoun (Tony) I.”
Rest in peace my lovely uncle Tony … We all love you and your beautiful family. No words can express what I want to say… you wasn’t only my uncle but also my friend who I go to when ever I need to talk. While you’re flying high in heaven, Please pray for us.
Tony was more than a gentleman; he was a gentle man.
My heart is broken. Tony was like a father to me. It was a privilege and a honor to have known this man! Rest in peace.
Tony was one of my dearest friends and confidants. He was a positive influence on all of us who were lucky to know him. I will sorely miss him. Rest in peace , “ Ya Hals”
I never met Tony but respect and like his wife Susan and as I read this I am totally impressed with what he has contributed to our community. In these days of hostility to immigrants I think we can all see how important they are . In my mind they can revive our culture.
Goodbye my best friend, twin brother and life-long companion. I will miss you terribly.
No more pain or suffering, rest in peace till we meet again.Your cousin Shawki
Our condolences to Sue, Dan, the family, and the many friends who loved Tony. He was an extraordinary human being in so many ways — compassionate, intelligent, creative, and wise. We will miss him.
Dear Sue and Dan!! You are in our thoughts and Prayers!!
Please know that Bruce and I will keep you in our Prayers for strength!
Tony was brilliant and kind!! He lives forever in your hearts!!
Our condolences to Sue, Dan, the family. Tony was our good friend,
Uncle Tony was one of the most thoughtful and faithful people. He loved his family dearly and visited his family in Egypt regularly. I have many beautiful memories with my dear uncle. My family visited him and his wife when our children were young. He wanted to make sure we have a great time on our trip and he took us to see many new things – he even drove us to Canada back and forth in one day. We will always love you. Remember us before the throne of the Lord. Your niece, Mary
We will miss you, Uncle Tony. So many fond memories of you growing up. Sending all our love and prayers of comfort to you Sue and Dan. Miss you all xoxoMareya
I reallly loved and apprediated Tony. Yes, conversations with him were entertaining and educational. He showed me a whole new perspective on the Middle East and I have quoted him to my friends many times. Many good long talks at our Hampton Bays 4th of July parties. See you in Glory Tony
I’ve lived away from Rochester for nearly 30 years. During one of my visits, Tony stopped by to prepare and share the national dish of Egypt, ful medames, with my father and I. I will remember his warmth and wit.
My late husband, Walter, became friends with Tony through working with him at Kodak. Tony shared his culture and Egyption foods with us. He even made baklava for my 30th birthday! Walt and Tony shared many lunches and long discussions together and also family dinners with Sue and Dan and our family. When Walt was on disability Tony continued to be there for him, taking him out to lunch and visiting Walt at the hospital. Tony and Sue continued to be there for me after Walt’s death. We’ve been blessed by such a long friendship.
Rest in peace my dear Tony, your fragrant memory will last forever. Your sister-in-law, Nadia
It was a gift to know you and Susan all these many years. Sharing dinners, playing cards, debating latest political issues and enjoying your laughter and friendship. Thank you for enriching our life. May peace be upon you and your family.
To Sue and Dan and his family, Dick and I were so saddened to read about Tony in the paper. What a wonderful person and friend he was. We often talk about the days that Danny was with us and the great dinners that you prepared for us Sue. Tony was a gentle giant. He was such a smart man and he contributed so much to this community. We are so sorry that he had been sick for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of your families.
Linda and Richard Pallo