Dimitrios Antonios Zannis

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dimitrios Antonios Zannis, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, who left us peacefully on June 30, 2025, at the age of 83.

Dimitrios was born on May 29, 1942, in the village of Kourounia on the island of Chios, Greece. At a young age, he left the beauty and comfort of the island to serve in the Greek army. Following his service, he joined the Merchant Marines, where he worked aboard cargo ships for over 10 years, serving as steward of the ship, circling the globe more than once. After a decade at sea, he returned to Chios, where he successfully established a local restaurant, a venture that reflected both his strong work ethic and his gift for hospitality.

In 1975, Dimitrios immigrated to the United States with his wife, Eugenia, in search of greater opportunity and a better life for their family. They settled in Phoenix, Arizona, where he joined his brother George and began the next chapter of his life.

Starting with humble beginnings in the United States, Dimitrios swept parking lots and took on landscaping jobs to support his family and build a future. Through perseverance, hard work, and unwavering integrity, he founded DIMSCO Inc. (Dimitrios’ Sweeping Company), which grew to become the most successful street sweeping business of its time in the state of Arizona. In 2000, at the height of its success, Dimitrios sold the company. But ever the hard worker, he wasn’t content to retire. Later that year, he launched a new venture: Southwest Sweeper Sales, a street sweeper dealership that marked yet another chapter in his remarkable journey as an entrepreneur.

Dimitrios is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Eugenia, and their three children: Tony (Zoe), Jerry (Amanda), and Anthipe (Pete). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Dimitrios, Georgia, Elyna, Isidoros, Anna, Gio, and Dimitrios. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, George and Tina, along with their daughter, Anthea, and by his sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Stefano, along with their sons, Michail and Eleftherios. He was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle who worked tirelessly to give his family every possible opportunity.

Dimitrios was a pillar of the Greek Orthodox community in Phoenix. A devoted member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, he served as parish council president and remained deeply involved in church life throughout his years. He was always ready with a helping hand and believed in giving back to the community that had welcomed him so warmly. A man of deep faith, he was also a talented gardener and a gifted cook. He was especially known for his Greek lamb, which he prepared with pride and joy while working the lamb booth at the annual Greek Festival for over 30 years. Whether sharing stories over a meal, cultivating his garden, or offering guidance to others, Dimitrios brought people together with grace and kindness.

He leaves behind a lasting legacy of integrity, generosity, and hard-earned success. He will be remembered for his fierce dedication to family, enduring work ethic, and spirited hospitality.

The family kindly requests that in place of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Dimitrios Zannis to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (holytrinityphx.org).

Funeral Services – Thursday, July 3, 2025

● 9:00–10:00 AM – Visitation at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ

● 10:00–11:00 AM – Funeral Service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral

● 11:45 AM – Graveside Service at Paradise Memorial Gardens 9300 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ

● 1:00 PM – Makaria (Mercy Meal) at Holy Trinity Community Center 1973 E Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ

May his memory be eternal – Αιώνια η μνήμη του.