Constantine “Dean” Tsantilas, passed away in the early hours of Christmas morning on December 25, 2022, at the age of 92. He was born July 24, 1930 in Monessen, Pennsylvania. Shortly after his birth, his family was moved to what would become his childhood hometown; Cleveland, Ohio.
In Cleveland, Dean was an avid runner and active in track in high school while working at his family’s dry cleaners. It was in Cleveland that he met his bride of 67 years, Stella. In 1956, they moved to Phoenix, began a family, and opened Kachina Dry Cleaners. Just as Dean worked at his family dry cleaners in his youth, Dean and Stella’s three children all worked at “the store,” a true family business. Kachina Cleaners has been a long-standing fixture in the Arcadia neighborhood, and continues to be run to this day by his youngest son. For many years, Dean was there every morning to open the doors, start the cleaning, and greet early customers. In later years, he spent the second half of his days on the golf course or at the bowling alley with friends. He has been a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral since moving to Phoenix in 1956.
Dean is known by many for having lived a successful life, filled with love of family. The patriarch of a home full of love, he loved and cared for his family his whole life. He will be greatly missed and will be forever in our hearts. Dean will join the souls of his father, James, his mother Bessie (Kiki), and his brother Perry. He is survived by his beautiful wife and mother to his children, Stella, their 3 children, Kiki Anastopoulos, James Tsantilas (Tammy), and Stacy Tsantilas (Gerri). He is also survived by three devoted grandchildren, Tiffany Currier (Travis), Dr. Kristine Tsantilas, and Nicholas Tsantilas.
Visitation from 9:00-9:45 on Monday January 2, 2023 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85016. Funeral service beginning at 10:00 am. Interment immediately following at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 W Van Buren St., Phoenix, AZ, 85009.
Makaria meal and celebration to be held at the Speros Community Center at Holy Trinity Cathedral following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dean Tsantilas to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. https://holytrinityphx.churchgiving.com/
Susan Fox
Jim and Tammy our deepest condolences
Susan and Curtis Fox
YuJung Skibo
Tammy,
What a great life he had for himself and his family! It’s not difficult to notice his diligence, steadfast love that guided him all his life.
I am so sorry you lost him in this life. Hang in there. He is being welcomed by his loved ones in Heaven.
Love,
YuJung.
Susan Cassellius
Jim and Tammy, Randy and I were sad to hear of the passing of Constantine. He will be missed by both of you. Losing a loving father is so difficult. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Mary and (son) Mark Guatney
Dear Stella, Stacy, Gerri, James, Tammy and Kiki,
Dean was a warm and friendly person, who was quick to offer his friendship and share his love of golf with my husband Jim Guatney and I when we first arrived in Arizona over 24 years ago. Dean would often call Jim to check in on him even after health issues prevented one or both of them from golfing together. His strength of character and resolve to live his life to the fullest will be forever missed, but carried on in the memories and strengths of Stella, his children, and grand children.
Our love and condolences to you all,
Rose Fitzsimmons
May the memories that fill your help bring you comfort.
With our deepest sympathies,
Rose & Bob Fitzsimmons