Constantine G. Lacas

Constantine “Gus” Lacas, age 88, of Haverford, PA, died on February 15, 2015 peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife Arcondia “Conda” nee Sosangelis, and his family.

           He was born the son of George and Polixeni, on August 12, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA . Gus graduated a semester early from Central High School in Philadelphia in January 1945.  He accelerated his graduation in order to be the first from his class inducted in the Armed Forces, during World War II.

            After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he attended Drexel University, where he completed his degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce.  In 1950, he joined the family business, Lacas Coffee.

            Gus was devoted to his Greek heritage and Orthodox faith throughout his life.  From an early age, he served as an altar boy and taught Sunday School at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia. He later served as president of the Board of Trustees of the Cathedral.    He was appointed Archon Depoutatos of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1976.  He also received the Gold Cross of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre from the Patriarch of Jerusalem during his visit in 1982. 

It was because of his active presence in the church that he met his wife, Conda.  To describe her as the love of his life would be an understatement. Gus and Conda were blissfully married for 64 years.  Together they travelled the world and built a beautiful life in Wynnewood where they raised their three daughters, Pauline, Ellena, and Georgia.

He truly believed God blessed him with his greatest gift in life – his family.  In addition to his three beautiful daughters he could not get enough of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gus was the patriarch of the family who shared his greatest life lessons of love and the importance of family.  His family will remember him as the most loving, generous, inspirational, and faithful man who proved to be a role model, friend, father, Papou, and most importantly, loving husband.

Gus is survived by his wife Conda and his daughters, Pauline (Dave) Smith, Ellena (Nick) Vaganos, and Georgia (Michael) Vlahos and son-in-law John Vastardis; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

His funeral service will be 11am Wednesday at St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church, 35 North Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008. Viewing, 9am to 11am Wednesday morning in church. Internment: West Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the church.