Hercules "Ray" Vlangos, age 81, son of Konstantinos and Panagiota Vlangos, was born on August 20th, 1944, in Pagrati, Greece.  He passed unexpectedly on Friday, December 26th, 2025 at his cherished restaurant, Carol's Garden Restaurant, doing what he loved.

Ray was the beloved husband of Mary Vlangos (née Zafiropoulos) for 55 years; a loving father to his daughter, Patty Vlangos, his sons Kosta "Gus" (Ivy) Vlangos, and John (Sophia) Vlangos; a proud grandfather to Natalie Nemeth, Grayson Vlangos and Everly Vlangos; a dear brother to Bill (Lambrini) Vlagos, Denise (John) Maniatis and Beneta (Gene) Usechek; and a treasured "Pappou Ray" to many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Georgia (Gus) Tasoulis and John (Niki) Vlagos.

Arriving in the United States at just 14 years old, from his small mountain village in Greece, no one, not even Ray himself, could have imagined the legacy he would build and leave behind.  His selflessness and love for family and friends were contagious.  From his infectious laugh that could light up any room, his grit and determination ("I got it!"), to his quiet way of helping behind the scenes ("Don't worry about it"), Ray lived a life full of purpose and heart.  One can only hope to be as loved as he was.  We are forever grateful for the countless beautiful memories we shared with him.

Take your seat in Heaven and rest now our dear Poppy, Daddy, Pappou, Theo, Ray, Raklios, Hraklis…until we are together again.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Trisagion service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church,  2501 S Wolf Rd, Westchester, IL 60154, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hearing Health Foundation , National Multiple Sclerosis Society , or Autism Speaks .

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.