Efthimios Economou

Efthimios Economou, a devoted husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully and suddenly on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the age of 85.
He was born on June 15, 1938 in the small village of Miliotadis - Demati, Ioannina, Greece, to parents Michael and Vasiliki Economou. He was the oldest of 4 siblings and the only son. His sisters are Maria, Glykeria and Demetra. Life was very difficult at that time. They were a family of meager means raising their children during World War II and the Greek Civil War in the mountainous region of Zagori. A proper education was a luxury and hard work was a must. His grandfather, Kostas Economou, urged him to leave the village and go to America, the land of opportunity. Initially, his parents were reluctant to let their 17-year-old son go, but he was persistent and eventually they agreed. His hope for a better future was just over the horizon. His mother’s brother, Nicholas Angelis, sponsored him and, in 1955, came to Philadelphia to start a new chapter in his life. He was eager to work and saved his money so he can help his family back home. Nine years later, in 1964, he returned to visit his parents and his life was about to change again. While there, he met a young beautiful 18-year-old girl, named Athina Staparounas, and within 3 weeks they were married. A brief honeymoon in Athens and off, alone again, to America to do the necessary paperwork and prepare for his wife’s arrival. That same year, his wife joined him and, in 1965, became parents with the birth of their son, Michael. Soon after, they bought their first home and welcomed their twin daughters, Vasilike and Demetra. During the coming years, they sponsored many others to come to America and provided them with a place to live as they got started in their new country. Eventually, his parents came to live with him, his sisters and husbands came and the majority of his wife’s siblings and spouses. He was able to reunite his whole family in their new “village” located at 21st and Race Street, Logan Square area of Philadelphia where they lived practically next door to each other. They shared stories of their not too distant past and how lucky they were to be in America, all together again!
Efthimios was a selfless man. He loved his family and did not hesitate to help them when needed. As a husband, he was devoted to his wife working as a team and speaking with a singular voice while they made their dreams come true. As a father, he provided for a brighter future for his kids making sure their every need was met. Always finding time to spend with his family, even between work shifts. He provided a positive role model to follow and made our Faith and Heritage the central focal point of the family. As a grandfather, he showered his grandkids with love and affection sharing old stories and giving helpful advice along the way. We will miss him dearly!
Efthimios is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Athina, his children Michael (Amelia), Vasilike (Vasilios) Kitsios, Demetra and grandchildren Kyriaki Bouikidis, Georgia (Victor) DeLomba, Athina Bouikidis, Yianni Bouikidis, Eleni Kitsios, Katerina Kitsios, Athina Economou, Konstantina Economou and Efthimios Economou.
Our Beloved Efthimios, May you rest in peace and we will forever miss you!
Funeral arrangements:
Family and friends are invited to view Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 10am to 11am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 229 Powell Lane, Upper Darby, PA 19082. His funeral service will begin promptly at 11am. Internment will be in Laurel Hill West Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA.  In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to the church.

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