Dimitrios Papathanasiou's Obituary
Dimitrios Papathanasiou, a beloved husband, a cherished father, a loving grandfather, fondly known as Papouka, and a devoted friend to all, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Dimitri was born on May 10, 1936 in the tiny village of Serres, Chrisso Serron, Greece. As a young man, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Dallas, Texas where he met the love of his life, Eleni Charalambopoulos. Their life of two became an adventure of four when Litsa and Torey were born – they were the light and joy of his life.
Dimitri was successful in every aspect of his life - his family, his faith, and his business. As a self-created entrepreneur, Dimitri paved the way for countless Greek immigrants to make their dreams a reality. He was generous and kind and his door was open to all. No matter where he went, he would walk in with a smile and leave with a lasting impression. His favorite way to end the day was at the Char Bar with his buddies, where the Greek news travelled fast.
A genuine man that understood from a young age that hard work, dedication, integrity, and love were the keys to a successful life. Papouka’s secret recipe to life was being loving to his family, loyal to his friends, honest in business, and kind to strangers.
Cherished and adored by his family, he is survived by:
His wife and best friend of 57 years, Eleni Papathanasiou; his daughter, Litsa Papanicolaou and husband Fotis, and their children, Lea, Peter and Dimitri (Tata); his son, Torey Papthanasiou and wife Robin, and their children, Ellie and Dimitri (Meaty); his brother, Kostas Papathanasiou and wife, Chrissie; his brother, Pavlos Papathanasiou and wife, Deborah; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Evangelia and Taxiarhios Papathanasiou; and brothers, John, Dimitrios and Terry Papathanasiou.
Pall Bearers
Dana Austin Dimitri Charalambopoulos Tommy Charalambopoulos Johnny Davrados Niko Davrados Bubba Dervisevic Evan Diamantaras Collin Schmierer
Honorary Pall Bearers
George Charalambopoulos George Christ Tony Davrados Cody Freeman Theodore Melios Nico Panos Kostas Papathanasiou Pavlos Papathanasiou Dimitri Reppas Nick Rizos Nassos Tsafalopoulos Floyd White
The Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Visitation - 9:30 AM
Trisagion and Funeral Service - 10:00 AM
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Dallas, Texas
Interment Service immediately following at Restland Memorial Cemetery. Makaria luncheon reception afterwards at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dimitri Papathanasiou to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Dimitri will continue to live on in the hearts of those he so dearly touched. May his memory be everlasting.
What’s your fondest memory of Dimitrios?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dimitrios?
Share a story where Dimitrios' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dimitrios you’ll never forget.
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