Obituary: Konstantinos 'Papou' Efstathiades, 96, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

Surrounded by his loving family, Konstantinos Efstathiades (“Papou”) passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at his home in Norwalk, CT, the day before his 97th birthday.

Konstantinos was born in 1925 in the small village of Spilia, Greece, to his parents Haralambos and Paresa Efstathiades.

Working as a tobacco farmer, Konstantinos was a village fixture. On August 17, 1950, he married the love of his life, Kiriaki Evgenidou, and together they raised four children, Sophia, Linda, Frederica, and Harry. In 1967, Konstantinos and Kiriaki packed up their best woolen blankets, new passports and old memories, and clipped one-way tickets for passage on a ship to New York.

After settling in Norwalk, CT, Konstantinos found work as a machine operator for Hicks and Otis Prints, Inc., a plastics factory. He put down deep roots in his new home and watched his family grow.

He is survived by his children, Sophia and Leonard Paschalidis, Linda and Avraam Apazidis, Frederica and Mark Gregoire, and Harry and Christine Efstathiades; his grandchildren Despina & George Taiyanides, Bobby & Irene Paschalidis; Kiki & George Cross; Dina & Peter Shanazu; Despina & Leon Amarant; George & Leah, and Constantine Apazidis; Evan & Katie, Christian, and Constantine Gregoire; Kiki & Savva Kazantzidis, Constantine & Jennifer Efstathiades; his great-grandchildren Alex & Brittany, Thenya, Leo, and Sophia Taiyanides; Sofia, Leonidas, and Elizavet Paschalidis; Stefano, Leianna, and Katerina Cross; Spiro & Olympia Shanazu; Aristotelis, Avraam, and Elisavet Amarant; Avraam, Alexander, and Andrew Apazidis and Jordyn & Christina Kazantzidis. His first great-great-grandchild is expected January 2023.

Konstantinos is pre-deceased by his wife, Kiriaki, and his siblings John Efstathiades and Liana Alexandridis.

Papou Kosta lived his years. He was the heart and soul of his family and he was beloved by everyone, from old friends to those he just met. His most joyous days were those spent surrounded by his whole family, where he could be found manning the souvla or dancing zembekiko or chastising his grandchildren for not being married yet.

In those quiet times between celebrations, Konstantinos was happiest driving from house to house visiting with his children and grandchildren, playing backgammon or cards, sipping black coffee and cracking jokes. He loved the simple things in life, like fishing and tending his garden of tomatoes and peppers. Papou never managed to grow old, even at 97.

Friends and family will be received on Sunday, July 17th at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 18th at 10 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Community Center.