Theodore Spyropoulos passed away in Chicago at the age of 75. He was one of the most prominent Greek-Americans, a man who served with zeal and who contributed generously to the great case of Greek Education in America, and was known for his philanthropic activities both here and in Greece.
Theodore, who is better known as Ted, fought a tough battle with cancer in recent months, and the news of his death shocked the community, which now prepares to pay tribute to one of its most distinguished sons.
Evangelos Venizelos, Greece’s deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, who learned of Spyropoulos’ passing during his trip to New York, said at a press briefing at the Greek mission to the UN, “I had longtime working relationship with the ever-memorable Theodore Spyropoulos. I am saddened by his death, which is a loss for Hellenism. He helped from the beginning all the activities of the organized Hellenic diaspora, with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and I can say, literally, that the Greek-American community is impoverish by this loss.”
Eugene T. Rossides, the founder of the American Hellenic Institute, said that “Ted Spyropoulos was an extraordinary Hellene. Ted’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the Diaspora. I admired his passion for Hellenism and his unselfish work on behalf of Hellenic causes. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
We will soon publish more details.