General News
Greek-American James A. Koshivos, 21, Killed after Car Plunged into Ocean
FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.
LINCOLN, MA – Arthur G. Koumantzelis passed away at his home in Lincoln, MA, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Arthur was a remarkable man who was loved and admired for his caring and generous spirit. He was born in Lowell, MA, on September 8, 1930, the son of Greek immigrant parents George and Georgia (Makris) Koumantzelis.
Arthur and his wife Vaia recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Together they raised seven children, traveled the world, and shared a lifetime of love. Arthur was a standout student and athlete who graduated from Lowell High School at the early age of 16 and played semi-pro football for the Acre Pirates. He was a graduate of Bentley School of Accounting & Finance, class of '49, ASA Bentley College '65, and The Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program '74. In his twenties, he joined Arthur Young & Co., a prominent accounting firm, and rose to the position of Managing Partner, first at the firm's New Orleans office and soon after at the Boston Office. After retiring from Ernst & Young (previously AY), he started his second career as Senior Vice President and CFO of Cumberland Farms. He then joined Gainesborough Investments, as President and CEO, and was one of the publishers of The Hellenic Voice. During that time he served on numerous company boards, providing expertise to their financial committees.
Arthur was proud of his Hellenic heritage and early on joined the Alpha Omega Council, which is dedicated to uniting Americans of Hellenic ancestry. His belief in unity continued as chair of The National Conference of Christians and Jews Executive Board of Trustees. Arthur was also Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hellenic College Holy Cross and Treasurer of St. Demetrios and Holy Trinity Churches.
Giving back to the community was a huge part of Arthur's life. He was Chairman of the Board of the Immigrant Learning Center and took joy in leading the pledge of allegiance during the citizenship ceremonies. As a respected authority in his field, he served on the Board of the Massachusetts Public Health Council, the Governor's Task Force on Economic Development, and was a Member of the Massachusetts International Trade Council.
Arthur was an ardent supporter of his alma mater Bentley University, where he established the Arthur G. and Vaia I. Koumantzelis Scholarship Fund. He was an Honorary Member and Overseer of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. A longtime supporter of The Dana Hall School, he served as Treasurer and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
Arthur was recognized for his professional accomplishments and for his contributions to the Hellenic community. He was a 1999 recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He received the Alpha Omega Council's Lifetime Achievement Award for his "uncompromising integrity and true professionalism." Bentley University honored him with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 1987. In appreciation of all he gave back to his birthplace, in 2017 he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club of Lowell Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vaia (Liakas) and seven children, Georgia Koumantzelis and her husband Rick Pappalardo; Nancy Koumantzelis; Stephen Koumantzelis; Katherine Copeland and her husband Todd; Christina Pappas and her husband Nicholas; Paul Koumantzelis; and Elizabeth Koumantzelis. He was Papou to nine grandchildren.
Arthur leaves behind a much beloved extended family including his brother Christos G. Koumantzelis and his wife Iris; sister-in-law Georgia Koumantzelis; sister-in-law Minna Liakas; brother-in-law Nicholas V. Liakas and his wife Loula; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Alcibiades G. Koumantzelis; John G. Koumantzelis; Joanne Leonsis and her husband Lou; William G. Koumantzelis and his wife Claire; and Nicholas G. Koumantzelis; and his brother-in-law Alexander V. Liakas.
FALMOUTH, MA – The police in Falmouth have identified the victim in an accident involving a car plunging into the ocean on February 20, NBC10 Boston reported.