Anthony “Tony” Nicholas Zahareas, 95, of Hudson, Florida, passed away on June 9th, 2026. He is survived by his wife Louise Zahareas; as well as son Nick Zahareas.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Romance Languages at Ohio State. He was awarded Baccalaureate in 2006 and received the Humanities Alumni Society (HUMAS) Alumni Awards of Distinction.
He was one of the pre-eminent scholars in Spanish literature and culture. As a native of Greece, he was able to explore broader Mediterranean cultural issues in his works. He taught at Smith College, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and the University of Minnesota. He was also a visiting professor at the University of Massachusetts, Rutgers, UCLA, Stanford, and Pantios University (Athens, Greece). He also received Spain’s most distinguished award, the Order of Isabel La Catolica. Tony was also a ballroom dance instructor for Arthur Murry Dance Studios in his younger years. He and his wife Louise danced professionally and were accomplished tango dancers.
Saint George Orthodox Church
Saint George Orthodox Church
Grace Memorial Gardens
Nick and Judy Spadaccini
June 13, 2026, 6:01 pm
It is with sadness that I learned of Tony’s passing. I remember him as a generous mentor and colleague and as a first-rate scholar with major contributions to Spanish literary studies within socio/cultural contexts. Our heartfelt condolences to Louise and Nick.
Barbara Mujica
June 20, 2026, 7:57 pm
Tony was a kind and generous person and a wonderful mentor to me when I was in graduate school. My husband and I spent unforgettable days with him and Louise in Greece when we were young. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Louise and Nick.
Gayana Jurkevich
July 5, 2026, 9:58 pm
Dear Louise,
I just found out about Tony’s passing. So very, very sorry for your loss. Tony was a great mentor to me at UMinn, and even after I left, post MA. What a bunch we were in the mid-70s there, in Minneapolis. My heart aches for you and for Nick. I have such great memories…please drop me a line when you can. Abarozs mil, Gayana