FLORU, GEORGE
NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI (from The Woonsocket Call, published on Jul. 29) – George P. Floru, 86, of North Smithfield, passed away on July 27 at the Landmark Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving husband of 55 years to Angela (Tsatsu) Floru. Born in Veria, Greece, son of the late Pavel and Stergiani (Anagnostou) Floru. George was the former owner of the Woonsocket Motor Inn and co-owner of the former Floru’s Restaurant. He was active in his church, St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox church, having served in numerous positions including several years as President. He was a 50-year member of the Mason’s and a member of the Woonsocket Elks Lodge #850. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War era. George was a proud father and husband who enjoyed going to the beach with his family and an active member of the YMCA. Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Retired Col. Michael G. Floru of Riverside, Conn., V James “Bill” Floru of North Smithfield, and Stella M. Matarazzo and her husband Anthony of East Bridgewater, Mass.; godson Paul Floru; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Kyriakoula “Keri” Petrides, Athena Ligouras, Stergios Floru, and Ida Lovely. His funeral was in the St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church of Woonsocket, RI 02895. Burial with military honors followed at the St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Cemetery, Mendon Road, Woonsocket, RI 02895. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perpetual Cemetery Fund St. John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church, 501 East School St., Woonsocket, RI 02895, or Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. www.dipardofuneralhome.com.

KONSTANTAKIS, GUS
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT (from The Hartford Courant) – Gus Kostantakis, 62, of South Windsor, beloved husband of Connie (Marci) Kostantakis passed away peacefully on July 29 at Hartford Hospital. Gus was born in Rhodes, Greece on August 29, 1956 and was the son of the late John Kostantakis and Irene (Mathioudakis). Gus is survived by his loving wife Connie of 26 years, his adored sons John and Michael, his much-loved sister Stella Lergos, mother and father-in-law Frank and Angela Marci, along with brother and sister-in-law Frank and Roseann Marci along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. Gus was dedicated to his work as the owner of the Pizza Parlor Restaurant in Windsor Locks for over 35 years and enjoyed his loyal customers and employees. He will be remembered for his loving nature and devotion to his family and friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to all the healthcare professionals at Hartford Hospital on Bliss 5, Bliss 9, and C8I. A very special thank you to nurses; Joanne T., Deborah, Courtney, Gloria, Amella, Lisa RRT, and Christine HH Chaplain. We will never forget your compassion. The family received relatives and friends on August 1 at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel where a Trisagion service was held. Funeral Services were celebrated at St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Hartford on August 2. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gus’s name may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, 372 Danbury Rd. Suite 200 Wilton, Ct. 06897. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.

KOUKOTAS, DOROTHEA
HAMILTON, NJ (from The Times, Trenton, published on Jul. 30) – On July 25 Dorothea Peter Chappen Koukotas died peacefully, surrounded by her loving children. Dorothea was born Aug. 15, 1929, in Carbondale, PA, to her immigrant Greek parents, Peter Chappen (Tsepenekas) and Amelia Koulombis Chappen. Her family owned the locally known Arcade Restaurant, famous for its homemade chocolates and Boston cream pie. In 1951, Dorothea graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and went on to graduate from the University of Scranton with a master’s degree in child guidance. On May 16, 1957, Dorothea met Stephen N. Koukotas on a ship while traveling to Greece. Stephen proposed nine days later and the two were married for 45 years until his death in 2002. Dorothea achieved a great deal in her lifetime, not the least of which was serving as the most loving and self-sacrificing mother of three. She was an accomplished pianist, but also knew how to play clarinet, saxophone, and violin. She worked in industry and then taught high school for several years during the 1950’s and 1960’s in Woodbridge and Rahway, NJ. She worked as an income tax preparer for 18 years. In 1977, Dorothea, a born entrepreneur, opened Stephen’s Furs on Hamilton Avenue in Trenton, NJ. The shop was named for her husband, Stephen, a master furrier. The fur shop still exists as Stephen and Dorothea’s living legacy as Stephen’s Fur and Leather in Lawrenceville, NJ, and has served thousands of customers, many of whom became close friends. Dorothea was well-known for her kindness and encouragement, and was ever generous with sincere and helpful advice. Dorothea was the last surviving child of six siblings, Helen P. Keating, Stephen P. Chappen, Mary P. Markatos, Dr. Victorine P. Chappen, and Dr. Edward P. Chappen. She is survived by her son, Nicolas S. Koukotas and wife Frances and daughters, Desiree and Nicole and her husband Adam Keephart; daughter, Stephanie A. Bowe and her children, Alexander and Phoebe; and daughter, Amelia A. Choe and her husband Howard Choe and their children, Melissa and Melanie. We also wish to acknowledge dear friends whom we consider family, Carol Przechacki, Jeffrey Williams, Joseph Beckett and Rose, Debbie and Denise Kostival. The viewing was held Aug. 1, at Gruerio Funeral Home and funeral services were held Aug. 2, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Hamilton, NJ.

KRIAL, NICHOLAS
ABERDEEN, MD (from the Baltimore Sun, published on Jul. 3) – Nicholas Pierros Krial, 92, of Aberdeen, MD, died June 26 at home surrounded by family. He was born December 25, 1926, in Areopolis, Laconia, Greece, a son of Pierros and Penelope Krialis, the youngest of 14 children. Nicholas served honorably in the Greek army from 1946-1949 during the Communist insurgency and again, from 1951-1952, as part of the Greek United Nations Contingent during the Korean War. Nicholas was also an alternate distance runner on the Greek Olympic team at the Helsinki Summer Olympics in 1952. He was married to the Karolyn Skegas, in Athens, Greece, on November 28, 1957, emigrated to America and settled in Aberdeen, Maryland. Nicholas served as a physicist at both the Aberdeen Proving Ground and Edgewood Arsenal for over 40 years. Nicholas participated in the American nuclear testing program, principally in Nevada. Nicholas devoted himself to his family, friends, and the Greek and Masonic communities. In 1978, he became a Worshipful Master, the highest rank in a Masonic lodge. Over the years, Nicholas served in many positions of the Worthington Chapter #30 of AHEPA, culminating in his being both District and National AHEPAN of the Year in 2008. His favorite interest was chairing the AHEPAN scholarship fund, a fund awarding college scholarships. Karolyn preceded him in death in 2014; his brother Nikita survived him, as well as many nieces and nephews in the United States and in Greece. Services honoring his life were held at Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home, P.A. Aberdeen, MD on Saturday July 6. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the AHEPA Worthington Chapter#30 Scholarship Fund, 211 Butler Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136, www.ahepa30.org.

STAMOS, JAMES
MODESTO, CA (from the Modesto Bee, published on Aug. 1) – James Nicholas Stamos September 11, 1930 – July 27. If there was ever a man who was a candidate for the World’s Most Interesting Man, it was Jim. He was born Demetrios Nikolaos Arkoudas (Stamos) in Fteri, Greece. After surviving the horrors which engulfed Greece during the nazi occupation of World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War, Jim departed Greece as a Merchant Marine Officer. After a short stay in Barcelona, Spain, a twist of fate brought Jim to the United States. While visiting family in California, he met the love of his life, Dena, and married her. Shortly after their marriage in January 1954, Jim was deployed in the United States Army to Germany, during the Korean War. While deployed, Jim proudly became a United States Citizen. Jim was a devoted husband, family man, loyal friend, businessman, and active member of many fraternal organizations in Modesto, California. Jim was proud of his many years of involvement with the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. Additionally, Jim was a very active member of the Greek Orthodox Church community in Modesto. He served in many capacities within the community but was most proud of cooking for many weddings, baptisms, and celebrations held at the church community hall. Jim was an active businessman in Modesto for nearly six decades. He had owned and operated several small businesses but for the majority of this time, Jim was a trusted insurance broker. Jim prided himself on being able to offer assistance to his clients in their time of need. His personal investment and honest approach endeared him to his clients and fostered friendships that lasted decades. Jim was a champion at beating the odds. Anyone that knew him understood that no matter how adverse life seemed, he would endure and thrive and encourage others to do the same. Jim defied all expectations when confronted with ‘terminal’ cancer. Not only did Jim survive, he outlived many of the doctors who predicted his early demise. In the process Jim re-invented himself and became a strong advocate for a holistic lifestyle far before it was popular. In spite of losing his voicebox to cancer, he never lost his voice. This sheer determination and force of will captures Jim and who he was to the core. Nothing was insurmountable and anything could be accomplished with enough discipline, determination, and desire. Jim is survived by his children Evangelia Taylor (Richard) of Fresno, Nick Stamos (Michelle) of Modesto, and Spiro Stamos (Ava) of Danville and his beloved grandchildren Christopher Jones, Gabrielle Taylor, and Demitri Stamos along with many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his wife Dena Stamos, parents Nick and Evaggelia Arkoudas, his daughter, Katherine Stamos Jones, and his brother John Stamos. Trisagion and funeral services were held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 313 Toaky Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 or Community Hospice of Modesto 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA. 95356. www.cvobituaries.com.

PATSANTARAS, TRIANTAFILOS
GRAND JUNCTION, CO (from The Daily Sentinel Published on Jul. 31) – Triantafilos “Tomy” Patsantaras February 20, 1916 – July 26, 2019. Triantafilos “Tomy” Patsantaras, 103, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26. He was born in Pavliani, Greece, a small mountain village west of the city of Lamia, to Athanasios and Efthemia Patsantaras. As a young man, he traveled from village to village with his father (who was a tailor) making clothes. In 1938 he enlisted in the Greek Army prior to the war. As hostilities began in the Balkans, he fought for Greece on the Bulgarian and Albanian front lines. He was among the patriots who fought the Italian invaders, pushing them out of Greece in 1940. He continued fighting against nazis until 1942 when Greece surrendered. Following the conquest of Greece by the Germans, Trian joined the Greek Resistance fighters, the well-known andartes. As a member of EDES (National Republic Greek League), he contributed to the successful WWII mission Operation Harling. The mission was conducted by British Special Operation Executive (SOE) soldiers and Greek resistance fighters to destroy the heavily guarded Gorgopotamos railroad viaduct in Central Greece in November 1942 (a key supply route to N. Africa). While British teams set explosives on the bridge, Greek patriots cut the railway and telephone lines and provided cover for the operations. He and his comrades survived this battle, fighting courageously against the occupying German troops until the end of the war. Open conflict between communist ELAS and democratic EDES had begun breaking out in 1942, ultimately erupting into the Greek Civil War. After fighting numerous battles for a decade and being wounded by Communist forces during the Civil War, he departed Greece for the United States. Trian immigrated to the United States in 1951 to join his uncles in the sheep ranching business in Western Colorado. He then became an American citizen. He returned to Greece years later and in 1962 married his wife of 57 years, Chrysoula (Christine). He continued in the sheep ranching business and spent time working in restaurants in the Vail and Grand Junction areas for friends, sharing his lamb-roasting expertise. He loved to cook Greek food to share with family and friends. Trian was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and attended regularly. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history books published in Greek about WWII and his religion. He also enjoyed traveling back to Greece for lengthy visits to see family and friends. Trian loved his adopted country and never met a stranger; everyone became a friend. Trian was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters (all of Lamia, Greece), and many life-long friends. He is survived by his wife, Chrysoula; children, Tom (Kim), Nick (Victoria), and May, and grandchildren, Grace and Trian. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice or St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. A viewing took place on Thursday, August 1 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with a Trisagion service following. The funeral service was held August 2 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

TSIPOUROGLOU, DESPINA
NORWALK, CT (from The Hour, published on Jul. 12) – Despina Tsipouroglou, 88, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on July 10 at Norwalk Hospital. She was born in Spilia, Kozani, Greece and spent most of her childhood growing up in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and eventually settled in Norwalk, CT for the remainder of her life. Despina was predeceased by her parents Michael ‘Moises’ and Paresa (Dimitriadis) Kiriakedes, and her brother Anastasios ‘Andy’ Kiriakedes. ‘Dedina’ as she was nicknamed by her grandchildren, was a devoted motherly figure who provided a place of refuge, comfort, and love for all of her family. She had a passion for singing, watching soap operas, classic movies, cooking, and baking. She always kept a positive spirit through a strong religious faith and the loving bond of her family and will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul. She is dearly missed by her son Dino Tsipouroglou, daughter Evelyn Pasiakos, four grandchildren, Yota Gemignanni, Niko Pasiakos, Michael Tsipouroglou, and Matthew Tsipouroglou. She is survived by her sister Ann Canas, and her brother Chris Kydes as well as by many cherished nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Her funeral service was held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Norwalk. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.Magnerfuneralhome.com.