NEW YORK – Stavros (Steve) Hlampeas has passed away at the age of 81. Born in New York, with roots in Kythira, Hlampeas studied at the Academy of Aeronautics. In 1960, he started working at LaGuardia Airport for American Airlines. Six months later, however, Hlampeas decided he wanted something more, so he enlisted in the Marines. In the four years he served, he spent a year in Japan. In 1962, in Key West, Florida, he received a Meritorious Mast for his selfless efforts putting out an aircraft fire.

In 1969, Hlampeas married his wife Anne at St. Demetrios in Astoria. In his youth, he had served as an altar boy at the church.

In 1970, the couple had their first child, Theodoros (Teddy), and four years later, Yiannis (John). They have four grandchildren, Daniel, Steven, Peter, and Venettia.

In 2007, Steve and Anne began attending church at the parish of St. Eleftherios in Manhattan. Anne used to live in the neighborhood and attended church there as a young girl. When asked to join the parish council, Hlampeas was reluctant at first but eventually accepted and soon was elected vice president. In the period 2015-2019 he served as president. During his tenure he undertook many projects, including the 100th anniversary celebration of the parish.

Father Athanasios Demos said, “Steve did not miss a single Sunday in church and we will miss him very much.”

Teddy, his son added, “he loved to serve the parish and the community. He loved to make the church beautiful and strong while he felt grateful that he served the community of St. Eleftherios.”

Parish Council President Marina Thomatos said, “It was an honor to serve with him as Vice President when he served as President" and said that when thinking of Steve a quote by St. Augustine comes to mind: "when St. Augustine was asked what religion was to him, he said, ‘You should ask me what the first thing is in religion, and I would answer that the first, the second, and the third are humility.’ That was Steve. Modest, humble and kind. He always gave. He left behind a great legacy and we will miss him very much.”