Obituaries - NICOLETOPOULOS, BENETATOS, DELLIS, KAKALETRES, DIMITRI, JOHNS, KARNEZIS, KOUVELAS, KRITSAS, LAMNATOS, LIALIOU, LYMBERIS, MASOURAS, ZAVRADINOS - The National Herald, January 28, 2006

The following obituaries and article were published in the January 28, 2006 issue of The National Herald.  I am providing them as a possible tool for Hellenic genealogy research.

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George P. NICOLETOPOULOS, Former Director of the International Monetary Fund, Passes Away at 84 Years of Age

George P. Nicoletopoulos, who served as Director of the Legal Department of the International Monetary Fund, died on January 12, 2006 at the Hospice of the Washington Home in Washington, D.C. He had pneumonia. He was 84 years old. 

Mr. Nicoletopoulos, a national of Greece, became a U.S. citizen in 1986, holding dual citizenship. He was educated at the University of Athens, Greece, and at Columbia University in New York. After practicing in Greece and working briefly in the Legal Department of the United Nations, he joined the IMF's Legal Department in 1949. 

There he held a number of positions, rising to be Director from 1979 to 1985. His career spanned the formative years of the Fund during which it steadily grew in importance on the international financial scene. 

During these years, he participated in the general strategy of the organization and many of its significant decisions. 

He was closely associated with the drafting of the first and second amendments to the Fund's Articles of Agreement that changed the legal underpinning of the international monetary system. 

Highly respected by his colleagues, Mr. Nicoletopoulos was admired for his breadth of knowledge and experience in the field of international law and for his distinguished service as an international civil servant. 

Mr. Nicoletopoulos is survived by three brothers, Nicolaos P., Dimitrios P., and Panayiotis P. Nicoletopoulos, and a sister, Maria Spiliopoulou, and their families, all of whom reside in Athens. An informal gathering in his honor will be held at the Cosmos Club, 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, February 1, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial gifts may be made to one of the following organizations, or to a charity of the giver's choice: - American Lung Association National Capital Area Office 14435 Cherry Lane Court, Suite 410 Laurel, Maryland 20707-4958 (301) 483-3164 - Community Hospices 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., 4th Floor Washington, DC 20012 (202) 895-2600 - Doctors Without Borders, USA P.O. Box 1869 Merrifield, Va. 22116-9644 (212) 655-3759 

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BENETATOS, Konstantinos. - Age 86; born in Kefalonia, Greece, passed away in Newport Richie, FL, cherished husband of the late Anastasia; devoted father of Vasilios (Eleni), Andrea (Donna), Hariklia (Konstantinos) Tirovolas, Eleni (Elias) Kokalis; fond grandfather of 15; great-grandfather of four; dear brother of Michael, Athanasia, Aristidi, Maria, Stamo, Stavroula, the late Parthenoula; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews; friend to many. Funeral was held on Wednesday, January 25 from OlsenBurke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center in Chicago, IL to St. Harlambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles,IL.

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DELLIS, Stella (nee KAKALETRES) - Beloved wife of the late Peter M. Dellis; devoted daughter of the late Gus and Helen Kakaletres; loving sister of the late Georgia, Dora Kakaletres and Christine (the late Harry) Geocares; fond aunt of the late Mary (the late Constantine) Kakureotis; great-aunt of Dean Kakureotis; cousin and friend of many. Visitation was on Tuesday, January 24 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Chicago, IL. Funeral was the following morning from the funeral home to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago.

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DIMITRI, Eftihia. - Age 92; of West Hartford, Conn. widow of Kiriako Dimitri, died on Monday, January 16, 2006 at Hartford Hospital. She was born in Istanbul, Turkey and immigrated to the U.S. in 1960. She along with her husband and son ran Dimitri's Restaurant in Hartford for many years. She was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. She is survived by her son, Steve Dimitri of Shasta Lake, CA and several close friends. The funeral was held on Saturday, January 21 in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Hartford. The Rev. Thomas Cokotis officiated. Burial was in Cedar Hill Cemetery and was private. Friends called at the Cathedral on the day of the funeral services. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

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JOHNS, Anne. - Age 83; peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2006. Devoted sister of Dr. Constantine Johns of West Chester, PA; beloved aunt of Alexander Johns, Stacie and Dave Fink of West Chester, PA and Christopher and Xenia Johns of Denver, CO; dear great-aunt, Godmother and loving lifelong friend of Mollie, Timothy, Lexie and the late Marshall Walters. 'Miss Johns' was 'Dewey School's favorite 1st Grade teacher' for most of her 40+ year teaching career with the St. Louis Public School District. She is fondly remembered for her selfless kindness, warmth, compassion, humor and pride in her Greek heritage.Services: Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, January 17 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louise. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund.

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KARNEZIS, James “Demetrios” N. - Age 90; of Hickory Hills, IL, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2006. He was born in Louka, near Tripolis, Greece in 1915 and immigrated to the United States in 1955. He was the beloved husband of the late Soula; loving father of Christine (Ralph) Nicksarlian and Nicholas (Jacqueline) Karnezis; cherished grandfather of Gregory, Mark and Diana Nicksarlian, Cassandra and Nicholas Karnezis; dear brother of Nicoletta Priovolos, Maria (Konstantinos) Gionis and the late Theodore, Stylianos, Panagiotis, twin brother, George and Athanasios; beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, both here and in Greece. Mr. Karnezis was a retired barber and proprietor of Jim's Barbershop. He was a parishioner of SS. Contantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church and a WWII Veteran in the Greek Army. Visitation was January 9 at Hills Funeral Home in Palos Hills, IL. Funeral was the following day from the funeral home to SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Interment Evergeen Cemetery. Memorials to SS. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church appreciated.

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KOUVELAS, Vasilis “Basile” Michael. - Born on May 24, 1936 in Aris-Kalamata, Greece, passed away on January 3, 2006 following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. His early years were spent in Greece, after which he relocated to Munich, Germany where he worked as an engineer at Deutsche Airbus. He was fluent in numerous languages and enjoyed classical books and music. While in Germany he met and married his wife of 36 years, Vera. The couple was blessed with two children, daughter Katherine "Tina" and son Michael. The family moved to Greece for a number of years where Basile became involved with the hotel industry as part owner/operator of the King Saron Hotel at the Canal of Corinth. In 1975 the Kouvelas family moved to America where they settled in Belle Mead, New Jersey. They eventually relocated to Arizona in 1987 because it reminded them of Greece. Basile was part owner and managing partner of the Best Western Cottonwood Inn in Cottonwood, Arizona until the time of his death. Throughout his years in Arizona, he was very active in the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church and was awarded the Saint Paul Medal for his exemplary efforts in building the new Church in Scottsdale. He was also very active in the Arizona Hotel//Motel Association, and particularly interested in furthering the careers of young people in the hospitality industry through scholarships. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Angeliki and by his beloved cousin, Constandinos. Basile is survived by his loving wife Vera; son Michael; daughter Katherine “Tina” and her husband Don Edick; granddaughter Nikki; step-grandchildren Courtney and Matthew; brother Anthony Kouvelas and wife Helen; nieces Angie and Evi of Toronto, Canada; sister-in-law Litsa Kouvelas; and nieces Anastasia and Pavlina of Athens, Greece. Basile's greatest pride and joy was his family. We will always be grateful for the years and special times we spent together. He will live in our hearts and memories forever. Visitation was held at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, AZ on January 6. Funeral Services was also held at the church on January 7, followed by interment at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd. in Scottsdale. Arrangements by Messinge rIndian School Mortuary.

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KRITSAS, “Jimmy” Demetrios A. - Age 76; of Forest Park, formerly of Park Ridge, IL passed away Wednesday, January 18, former owner of the Hyde Park Coffee Shop in the '60's and '70's, loving father of Stacy (Joan), Dr. John (Dina) and Teresa; dear grandfather of Jimmy, Ange, Chris, Nikolas and Zoe; fond brother of Elvira Kritsas. Put to rest at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home on Sunday, January 22. Funeral was held on the following morning to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove. Memorials to Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 2501 S. Wolf Rd., Westchester, IL 60154. For info,(630) 941-5860.

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LAMNATOS, Christ. - Age 78 years; beloved husband of the late Athena, nee Fanuris; loving father of Nick Lamnatos and Rhea (Thomas) Hilton; proud grandfather of Nicole and Christopher; dear brother of the late William and brother-in-law of Bertha (the late Tony) Stamas, the late Pauline (the late Paul) Sallas, the late Amy (the late Nick) Stevenson and Sandra (Pete) Coules; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation Wednesday, January 18 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, IL until time of funeral service. Visitation was on Tuesday, January 17 at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, Oak Lawn. Memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Member of Ahepa-Oak Lawn Englewood Chapter #323. Former Village of Bridgeview Trustee, 1969 to 1981. Info (708) 636- 1193.

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LIALIOU, Magdalini. - Passed away, suddenly on Friday, January 13, 2006, in her 96th year. Beloved mother of Pantelis Lialios and Anneta Goumas; sadly missed by her beloved grandchildren Argerios Goumas; Violetta and husband Elias Sevaptsidis. Beloved sister of Marika Giannoudis and Athena Chrisikopoulou; nieces Katina Kazaris; Paraskevoula and husband Demetrios Petrides. Magdalini was predeceased by her husband Stephanos; sons, Evangelos and Petros; parents Stephanos and Eleni Chrisikopoulou; sister Olga Kalaitzis; brothers Michael Chrisikopoulos and Anastasios Chrisikopoulos; brothers-in-law, Methodios Kalaitzis, Panayiotis Giannoudis and nephew Apostolis Kalaitzis. Magdalini was born in Sklithron, Florina, Greece on August 8, 1910 and emigrated to Canada in December, 1968. She will be fondly remembered by customers of the Gaslight Restaurant who knew her by the name of "grandma" and her incredible sweet pasteries and bread making. She was a devoted member of St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. She will be fondly remembered for her caring love she showed both to her family, especially her grandchildren and her friends in the community. The family received friends at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home on Monday, January 16 and Tuesday, January 17. Trisagion was held on Tuesday, January 17. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 18, from St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church. The Very Reverend Father Konstantinos Chatzis officiated. Interment Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. A special thanks to Dr. Kitzul and Mary; home health care workers (Paramed and Comcare) for the great patient care over the years. In Magdalinis' memory, donations to St. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated by the family as expressions of sympathy.

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LYMBERIS, Athanasios. - Age 79; formerly of Nea Hora, Rouvale, Kastri, Greece. Beloved husband of Staiko "Loula" nee Nikita; devoted and cherished father of Gus and John (Jodi); dearest brother of Peter (Vasiliki), Maria (the late George) Doumos and the late Tasos (Georgia) living in Greece; dear uncle of many nieces and nephews here and Greece. Funeral was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 from Salerno's Galewood Chapels, in Chicago, IL to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago for funeral service. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, January 16. Arrangements by Hellenic Funeral Service (Nicholas M. Pishos Funeral Director) (773) 745-1333.

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MASOURAS, George Christos. - Age 81; of Hamilton, NJ, passed away December 24 in Care One of Hamilton. Born in Easton, PA, he was a longtime resident of Phillipsburg, NJ, and has been a resident of Hamilton since the mid-1950s. He was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School and Blair Academy, where he was a member of their wrestling teams, and attended Rider College. He began his career with Dixie Cup and also worked for BF Goodrich. He continued his career as a right of way negotiator for the State of New Jersey Department of Transportation. He was an Army Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Hamilton, and past active board member. He also was a member, past president and secretary of the Fraternal Order of AHEPA, the Crescent Shriner Patrol Association where he served as Captain, the Masonic Lodge of Belvidere, NJ, the American Legion, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Princeton Shrine Club, the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, the New Jersey Department of Transportation Retirees Association, and the Hamiltonians Senior Citizens, where he previously served as president, secretary and treasurer. Survivors: Wife, Antonia (Toni) G. Masouras; sisters, Dorothy (Peggy) Masouras Garvey and her husband John of Easton, Catherine (Renie) Masouras of Los Angeles, Calif.; brother-in-law, John N. Galitis and his wife Linda of Bethlehem, Pa.; many cousins in the U.S. and Greece;many friends, especially Joe Russo. Funeral Service on December 30 in St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Hamilton. Family and friends called the previous day in Saul Colonial Home. Contributions to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, NJ 08619 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140.

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Anastasios "Tom" ZAVRADINOS, Greek Resistance Hero, Passes Away at 88

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Anastasios “Tom” Zavradinos, retired owner of a civil engineering and land surveying company, died on November 7, 2005, at Agios Dionysios Hospital on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. He was 88 and a former resident of St. Louis. 

Mr. Zavradinos founded Zavradinos Professional Services of Chesterfield. He was born in Zakynthos and attended school in Athens, where he studied engineering and surveying. 

In World War II, Mr. Zavradinos fought with the Greek underground against Germany. Near the end of the war, while smuggling weapons into Athens in his motorcycle sidecar, he was captured and narrowly avoided execution. He was sent to a displaced persons camp near Vienna. In the last few months of the war, he was forced to go to Vienna to work for an engineering firm, but had to return every evening. After a few weeks, he quit going back to the camp. 

In 1945, Mr. Zavradinos worked for Morrison-Knudsen as a field engineer for a tunneling project for a hydroelectric plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 

In 1951, while visiting family in St. Louis, he met and married Mary Kallaos. The couple raised three sons. Their son, John, died in 1974. Mary Zavradinos died in 1990. 

Mr. Zavradinos worked for Rowland Engineering in the 1950's. In the early 1960's, he worked for a firm in St. Charles. In 1957, he obtained his citizenship and his professional surveyors license. 

In 1962, he started Zavradinos & Associates, originally located in Creve Coeur. He moved the company to St. Charles in 1978 and operated it until he retired in 1986. His son, Demetrios “Jim” Zavradinos of Creve Coeur, is the company's president and chief executive officer. In 2002, the firm moved to Chesterfield. 

In 1993, Mr. Zavradinos returned to Greece and married the former Stella Bastas.

 A memorial reception was held at Kries's Restaurant in Frontenac on November 20. Funeral and burial were in Zakynthos. 

In addition to his wife Stella and son Jim, among the survivors are his son Alexander of St. Louis; his brother, Popo of Zakynthos; and three sisters, Katina Tikirian, Fifi Tatsoglou and Lela Kadademetris, all of Athens. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Liftoff, 4204 Bonfils, Bridgeton, Mo. 63044. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published the above on November 16, 2005. The original headline is, “Anastasios ‘Tom' Zavradinos Engineer who Fought with Greek Underground.”