Petros Christos Economopoulos 85, of North Falmouth, MA died on December 16, 2019 in Arizona where he was residing.
Petros was born in Athens, Greece on October 1, 1934 to Christos Petros Economopoulos and Iakovina (Digenis) Economopoulos. Petros’ father moved his family during the German Occupation of Greece in WW2 to his village of Aristomenis in the Peloponnese in order to keep them safe. In October 1944 his father was killed by the Germans while travelling between Kalamata and Aristomenis. The family suffered more tragedy years later when their 12-year-old brother Kostas died in a tram accident.
Due to the family’s hardships their Theo Aristidis who lived in the United States offered to sponsor Petros’ immigration. He immigrated in 1952 and settled in Massachusetts. He was able to work and earn money to send back home to his family in Greece. Petros enlisted and served in the US Army on the front lines of the Cold War in Germany from 1954 to 1956.
After serving in the military, he attended Michigan State and Southeastern Massachusetts Universities to earn an Engineering degree. He worked as a Mechanical Engineer for Honeywell, and WANG Labs.
Petros met Eleni (Canelos) in Brockton, MA and were married for 55 years. They settled in Lexington, MA and raised their two children, Christos and Tashia in the traditions of Greek American customs focusing on extended family and the Greek Orthodox Church. He worked very hard to ensure his children earned a University degree. Petros had many interests, he enjoyed gardening, working on projects around the house, and travelling with his wife. They travelled to England together where he purchased his dream car a Jaguar V12 XKE, then they drove throughout Europe on an extended trip. He became a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and named the boat after his wife, Eleni. We have many fond memories as a family cruising around Boston Harbor together. Petros and Eleni retired and lived happily in Falmouth, MA.
Petros was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Eleni who passed away May 19, 2019 and older sister Dina Boublinis, and younger brother Kostas Economopoulos.
Petros is survived by his son Christos, wife Dena grandchildren Eleni and Petros, daughter Tashia and husband George, his sister Nikoletta Zafirakis, brother Panagiotis Economopoulos and many nieces, nephews, sister in-laws, and brother in-laws.
A viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2019 directly followed by the funeral service. An interment will take place Monday, December 30, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at the National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Centerville, MA. or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ.
Nick Maydanis
Wow…I did not know him well but i just saw him at my thea Ginny’s home Christmas party they have every year. He didn’t seem to be doing well then but I’m glad he is in a better place now. Hes with the lord. May his memory be eternal forever. I’m sure he was a great person, and well loved too.
Kelly Sperry
Dear Dena and Christos and children, we are so very sad for the losses you have experienced these past few months. No one can understand how difficult this has been for you all. I admire the love and support you gave to Christos’ father, to move him out here by you in order to take care of him after the loss of his beloved wife Eleni. I’m sorry you are all hurting. I love that your children carry their namesake. What an incredible life. So much accomplishment and sacrifice to provide for his sweet family. We love you. Take care, Kelly Sperry
Sandy & Will Meris
Our deepest sympathies to you all. He leaves behind the beautiful legacy of his wonderful children and grandchildren. May his memory be eternal.
All our love,
The Meris Family
Katerina Boublini
To my beloved uncle Petros : no one had a more kind and gentle heart than you. You have never failed any of the people around you and you were always there to give support, encouragement and undivided attention. Always YiaYia´s favorite child who kept reminding you not to be so compassionate and so generous : «Μην είσαι αγαθός βρε Πέτρο». The hardships that the family had to go through during the war -and well after- only made all of you better people with Yia Yia being an immense source of power, stability and guidance. Like all the family, you had a strong sense of purpose and the drive to achieve while being kind and fair. You taught me to be resilient and that everything can be achieved as you have managed in your life. Together with Yia Yia and my Mom, You shaped my life and I thank you for this. Always in my heart, Thie mou.