STAMATIS, NICK
AMHERST, OH (from The Plain Dealer, published on Feb. 27) – Nick Stamatis, age 87, of Amherst passed away Monday, February 25, 2019. He was born on September 20, 1931 in Hostia, Greece to John and Venita Stamatis. In 1951, at the age of 20, he immigrated to the United States. Nick worked at U.S. Steel as a crane operator in the Lorain 3 Seamless Pipe Division for 19 years. Upon leaving U.S. Steel, he and his wife Coula, opened Casey’s Drive-In of Lorain where they worked side by side for nearly 20 years. Nick was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. He served on the Parish Council, was President of AHEPA Chapter 144, and also President of the St. Nicholas Senior Group. He enjoyed his daily coffee gatherings with his friends at McDonalds and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. With a real skillset to fix almost anything, he was an avid do-it-your-selfer with a genuine love for carpentry. Nick is survived by his children, John (Fay) Stamatis, Bonnie (Tim) Uhr, Peter (Rene) Stamatis, and Sam Stamatis; grandchildren, Nick, Peter, Alex, and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 years, Coula, in 1990 and brother, Seraphim Stamatis. funeral service was held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lorain, Ohio. Rev. Michael C. Gulgas, Pastor, officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memory of Nick Stamatis to the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lorain. Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.dovinreberjones.com.
STAMOULIS, KONSTANTINOS
POTOMAC, MD (from the Washington Post, published on Mar. 19) – Konstantinos Stamoulis of Potomac, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 14 at the age of 81. He was born on March 5, 1938 in Pavlopoulo Evrytanias, Greece and immigrated to the United States when he was 12 years old. Through hard work and determination, Konstantinos became successful in many business endeavors and embodied the American dream. Konstantinos is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Ourania Stamoulis. He was a devoted father to Nitsa (husband Tim Angelos), George (wife Devrie Stamoulis), John Stamoulis, and Maria Stamoulis; cherished grandfather of Zoe Stamoulis, George Stamoulis and Alexandra Angelos; loving brother of Helen Krontira and uncle to Sophia Krontira. Konstantinos celebrated life with great joy and will always be remembered by his family and friends for his kind and loving spirit. May his memory be eternal. The funeral service was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Please view and sign the family guestbook at www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com.
STATHIS, DEMETRIOS
ST. JOHN, IN (from the Northwest Indiana Times, published on Mar. 3) – Demetrios Stathis, age 61, of St. John, born and raised in Athens, Greece, passed away February 19, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Janina Stathis (nee Wyrostek) for 38 years. Loving father of Panagiotis (Sarah Lidster) Stathis and AnnaMaria (Chase Dunlop) Stathis. Dearest brother of Aristotelis (Marina) Stathis. Closest friends of Andreas Glastras, Triantafylli Panagi, and Stelios Kouvelis. Loved by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Demetrios is also survived by his loving dog Foxy Lady. He is preceded in death by his parents Panagiotis and Maria Stathis and his former wife Deborah Ann Stathis. He will always be remembered for his love for his family, and passion for the outdoors, traveling, spontaneous road trips, stories, sense of humor, jokes, spending time with family and friends, fixing anything, his garage, selflessly helping others, being proud of his Greek heritage, and his infectious smile and laugh. Memorial will be held privately. Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Funeral Chapel, St. John, IN. For more information 219-365-3474 or www.elmwoodchapel.com.
STEFANOU, CONSTANTINE
HONEOYE FALLS, NY (from the Rochester Democrat And Chronicle, published on Feb. 27) – Constantine “Gus” Stefanou passed away on February 22, 2019. Gus was a kind gentleman, loving husband, father and papou (grandfather), who always put family first. With his drive, determination, respect for others and integrity, Gus was provided the opportunity to share a beautiful life with his wife and five children. Gus could be found cheering on his children, then the grandchildren at their soccer, baseball, and hockey games or track meets, listening to his children and grandchildren performing around the piano for family concerts, playing their instruments at school concerts or performing a capella in college. Papou’s garden drew many a fan each summer as it was a family affair to ready, plant, tend, and finally harvest the crop from an amazing planting of over 100 pepper, cucumber, and tomato plants. He was born in Drosopigi, Greece and seized the opportunity to come to the United States in the early 1950’s through a sponsorship from AHEPA, of which he was recognized as a Life Member for over 50 years of service and dedication to the organization. Self-educated in his early years and driven throughout his life, Gus built very successful businesses in building construction, commercial/residential real estate, and insurance. Gus is a 1957 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Building Construction. He was very active in the real estate community. Gus earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation and served as President of the New York State CCIM Chapter. He also served as President of the Commercial and Investment Division for the New York State Association of Realtors and held Emeritus member status with the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. Along with his business accomplishments, he was a very active member and benefactor of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, serving on the Parish Council multiple terms, including in the capacity as Parish Council President. Gus is predeceased by his loving spouse of 57 years, Florence; his parents, Dimitrios and Kleonicki Stefanou; and brother-in-law Spiro Mitrousidis. He is survived by his children, Elaine (Jerry) Sackleh, Christine (Geoff) Perry, Stephanie (Adam) Templeton, Anastasia (Walter) Turek, Dimitri (Maja) Stefanou; 11 grandchildren, Demetra, Anastasia, Sophia, Olivia, Athena, Jonathan, Nicholas, Emma, Ava, Constantine, Hudson; brother, Damianos (Petroula) Stefanou; sisters, Agora Mitrousidis, Mary (George) Tegas and many other family members. The funeral service was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation and he was interred at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Gus to Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit – Friends of the Metropolis Fund, 2560 Crooks Rd., Troy, MI 48084. To share a memory of Constantine or send a condolence to the family visit www.anthonychapels.com. Gus’ bright blue eyes, heart-warming smiles, big hugs, and soft spoken demeanor are truly missed. May His Memory Be Eternal.
TATALIAS, JAMES
TRUMBALL, CT (from the Connecticut Post, published on Mar. 18) – James C. Tatalias of Trumbull, age 94, passed away at home peacefully on March 16. He was born to Christopher and Irene Tatalias on January 26, 1925 in Hartford, Connecticut. At age 5 he moved to Plomari, Greece and later returned to the United States in 1947. James served in the U.S. Army in 1949 and then joined his uncle in owning Roma Import Company in Bridgeport. James then became an inspector at Avco Lycoming/Allied Signal, retiring in 1994 after 30 years. James was a very active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. He was a member of the AHEPA, the Church Choir, and the Church Senior Citizens. James leaves his beloved wife of 62 years Maria (Contos) Tatalias of Trumbull, his son Christopher Tatalias and his wife Andrea, his granddaughter Penelope of Shelton, his daughter Persefone Burnett and her husband Henry of Seymour. The Rite of Burial was performed by Father Georgios Livaditis Presbyter. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Choir. For online condolences and memorial tributes, visit us at commercehillfh.com. AIONIA H MNHMH.
TORAS, GEORGE
CANONSBURG, PA (from the Observer-Reporter, published on Mar. 18) – George Toras, 88, died Saturday, March 16 at Family Hospice Palliative Care in Mt. Lebanon after a brief illness. Mr. Toras was born May 28, 1930, the son of Athanasios and Kalliopi (Atsalis) Toras, in the medieval village of Vessa, on the Greek island of Chios. He immigrated to Canonsburg in 1968, where he made his home and was a parishioner at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. Mr. Toras is survived by his wife of 61 years Panayiota (Penny) Toras of Canonsburg; his son, Jim (Christina) Toras of Upper St. Clair; his daughter, Carol (Kevin) Pochiba of Claysville; his three grandchildren, Nicholas and Zachary Pochiba, and Alexandra Toras; his brother, John Toras of Vessa, Chios, Greece, and his sister, Kyriaki Karamani of Chora, Chios, Greece. He is pre-deceased by two sisters, Kleopatra Kefi and Eleftheria Stavrou. The embodiment of all of the good qualities of a Greek immigrant, Mr. Toras was hard-working, a good provider, and a productive member of the American workforce. He took great pride in maintaining strong ties with his family in Greece, visiting his beloved village of Vessa a total of 29 times throughout the years. He will be remembered for reciting fond memories of his life in Vessa, particularly those of tending and harvesting his fields of precious mastic trees. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Mr. Toras’ memory be made to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church, 601 West McMurray Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. May his memory be eternal. Please visit www.sollon.com to leave online condolences.
YOUNG, MARY
SAN LEANDRO, CA (from the East Bay Times, published on Mar. 13) – Mary P. Young, August 6, 1933-March 10, 2019, resident of San Leandro, beloved wife, mother, Yiayia and Thia, Maria Patrikiou Young, born August 6, 1933 on the island of Kalamos, Greece, died March 10, 2019 In Castro Valley. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 60 years, George Geronikakis Young. Survived by her daughters Stamatula (Yannis) Sgouros and Anastasia (Dan) Gellepes, Grandchildren Angelo (Lainie), Christina Sgouros, Constantine and Maria Gellepes, Great Grandsons Alexander, Daniel and Yannakis, brothers Pete (Elleni), Spiro (Nitsa) and sister Hermioni and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral was held March at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection in Castro Valley. Contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.