Obituary for Thomas Soropoulos
Thomas Soropoulos
9/6/1932 to 9/4/2019
Thomas Soropoulos, just two days shy of his 87th birthday, passed away peacefully at home on September 4th. He was born on September 6, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia, to Greek immigrants Kyriakitsa and George Soropoulos. His father passed away when he was only nine months old, leaving his mother no choice but to return to Greece with him and his 3-year-old brother, where they lived through traumatic experiences, including famine during WWII, the Occupation and the Civil War.
At the age of 18, Thomas made it back here, first to Allentown, and then Virginia Beach, working in restaurants before proudly serving in the United States Army. He then settled in New York City and later married Sofia Arvanitidou in 1963. They were married almost 56 years raising three children. He owned several restaurants in the Bronx, as well as a seasonal one in Virginia Beach. Moreover, early on as a NYC yellow taxi driver, he made lifelong friendships that he always cherished. He was a passionate artist, even painting Greek Orthodox icons which he donated to various churches, and enjoyed hunting and fishing (a member of the NRA and ARES club.) He will be remembered for his love and devotion to family and friends.
Thomas is survived by his wife Sofia, daughter Karina (Fulvio) Traverso, son George (Anya) Soropoulos and daughter Marianna Soropoulos. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Isabella, Thomas, Sophia and Alyssa.
9/6/1932 to 9/4/2019
Thomas Soropoulos, just two days shy of his 87th birthday, passed away peacefully at home on September 4th. He was born on September 6, 1932 in Norfolk, Virginia, to Greek immigrants Kyriakitsa and George Soropoulos. His father passed away when he was only nine months old, leaving his mother no choice but to return to Greece with him and his 3-year-old brother, where they lived through traumatic experiences, including famine during WWII, the Occupation and the Civil War.
At the age of 18, Thomas made it back here, first to Allentown, and then Virginia Beach, working in restaurants before proudly serving in the United States Army. He then settled in New York City and later married Sofia Arvanitidou in 1963. They were married almost 56 years raising three children. He owned several restaurants in the Bronx, as well as a seasonal one in Virginia Beach. Moreover, early on as a NYC yellow taxi driver, he made lifelong friendships that he always cherished. He was a passionate artist, even painting Greek Orthodox icons which he donated to various churches, and enjoyed hunting and fishing (a member of the NRA and ARES club.) He will be remembered for his love and devotion to family and friends.
Thomas is survived by his wife Sofia, daughter Karina (Fulvio) Traverso, son George (Anya) Soropoulos and daughter Marianna Soropoulos. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Isabella, Thomas, Sophia and Alyssa.