Theofanis (Fanis) J. Athanasopoulos
Theofanis (Fanis) J. Athanasopoulos 71 of Keene died peacefully amongst family on April 22, 2011 at Harborside Healthcare-Westwood after a period of failing health.
He was born the son of Ioannis and Areti Athanasopoulos in Geferas, Megalopolis, Greece on July 7, 1939. He was educated in Greece and spent eighteen months of national service in the Greek Army.
Fanis was a business man and chef for most of his life. He was the owner and operator of the Peterborough Diner for over ten years. Prior to his ownership he worked as a chef at the Pub in Keene for many years.
Mr. Athanasopoulos immigrated to the United States forty years ago. He became a U.S. Citizen and lived the American dream. Fanis has been a resident of Keene since he immigrated.
Theofanis was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene for many years. He enjoyed soccer, watching the Boston Celtics on television. Playing pool and going fishing was a way to relax. He spent lots of time with his family going camping. They would also go swimming at the Surry Dam and bond on the beach. Fanis would take his boys back to Greece on vacation. This was a time to teach them about their heritage and meet family. He loved to cook for family gatherings. One of the Greek customs he would share with family and friends would be cooking lamb on the spit and dancing traditional Greek dances.
Mr. Athanasopoulos is survived by his sons; Robert T. Athanasopoulos and John T. Athanasopoulos of Keene. His siblings; Nickos and his wife Dina Athanasopoulos of Greece and Demetria and husband Vasillios Zoudiars of Greece. His only grandson, Kamdin Athanasopoulos of Keene. His former wife, Jane (Ellis) Fournier and former mother in-law Concetta Ellis both of Keene. His special friend Michael Blastos, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and numerous friends will miss his presence. He is pre-deceased by his parents Ioannas and Areti Athanasopoulos and his siblings; George and Angelo Athanasopoulos.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from 6 to 8pm. in the funeral home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 10am. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West St. Keene. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery Rt. 32 South. Swanzey, NH. Flowers will gladly be accepted. However the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Theofanis J. Athanasopoulos to the Kamdin Athanasopoulos fund. C/O Service Credit Union, 403 Winchester St. Keene, NH. 03431.
