AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards $7,000 in Scholarships to 2024 Graduates

Six of the seven graduates were able to attend the 2024 Scholarship Banquet. Pictured l-r: Adam Tilley, Tommy Hunsicker, Ella Zervanos, Felicia Caloiero, Stephen Elliker and Nicholas Simotas. (Jackson Wagner is not pictured.)

For the 13th year in a row, the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA has recognized some of the outstanding high school graduates in the Greek-American community in Berks County.

Seven seniors were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the chapter to help finance their first year of college.

The graduates were honored at the chapter's annual Scholarship Banquet on May 21, 2024, held in the Kraras Hall at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

The local AHEPA Chapter has awarded more than $55,000 in Scholarships since the program began in 2011.

This year's honorees are Felicia Caloiero, Stephen Elliker, Tommy Hunsicker, Nicholas Simotas, Adam Tilley, Jackson Wagner and Ella Zervanos. 

Scholarship Chairman Athan Dialectos at the podium is assisted by Chapter President George Giovanis as they prepare to announce the 2024 Scholarship recipients.

Chapter President George Giovanis and his wife Joan are instrumental in organizing the Scholarship Banquet every year.

Talented students from Wilson High School choirs provided entertainment at the Scholarship Banquet.

Toastmaster Christ Kraras presents a restaurant gift certificate to Tony Phyrillas as Chapter President George Giovanis prepares for the next drawing in the popular Scholarship Dollars raffle to support the chapter's Scholarship Program. 

Members of the Caloiero Family pose with Scholarship Recipient Felicia Caloiero.

Members of the Elliker Family pose with Scholarship Recipient Stephen Elliker.

The Hunsicker Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Tommy Hunsicker.

Scholarship Recipient Nicholas Simotas with Dad Alex and Mom Michelle.

The Tilley Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Adam "AJ" Tilley.

The Zervanos Family poses with Scholarship Recipient Ella Zervanos.

In Memoriam: John Frangakis

John Frangakis of Mount Penn, Pa., the former owner of the DeLuxe Restaurant, passed away on May 3, 2024, at age 91. 

He was born in Chios, Greece, on September 29, 1933, a son of the late Isidoros and Anna (Moutafi) Frangakis. 

At the age of 21, after serving as a Merchant Marine he came to the United States to begin a new life in America. He came to live the American dream and with hard work he accomplished it. He was a very positive person whose upbeat personality just lit up any room he walked into. 

John started his restaurant career in Orange, N.J., and even worked at the Waldorf Astoria as a chef. 

In May of 1961, he married the true love of his life, Despina Vourlos. 

Soon after he established the DeLuxe Restaurant in 1963 at North 8th Street in Reading, PA. His dream was to own and operate a diner which was accomplished in 1982 on Lancaster Pike, Shillington, Pa. 

He enjoyed dabbling in real estate and one of his purchases was the Days Inn located in Shillington. Beyond all of his achievements, he enjoyed chanting in the Greek Orthodox church, especially at Easter. He enjoyed teaching history and the Orthodox religion to those who were interested in listening to him. 

He loved talking with his beloved customers and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was taking his grandchildren back to his homeland and showing them all of the sites on the mainland and a cruise of the islands. 

He was also a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61, Order of AHEPA, and a lifetime member of the Masons and Rajah Shriners. John graciously hosted the local AHEPA chapter at his restaurant for meetings and other occasions.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years Despina Frangakis; a son, Isidoros Frangakis, husband of Cathern Faller of Mohnton. Anna (Frangakis) Burkman wife of Darryl Glenn Burkman of Sinking Spring, Two grandchildren Evangelia (Koutroulelis) Gregory wife of Benjamin Gregory, Bethlehem, Stelios Koutroulelis husband of Kaylee (Werner) Kenhorst. Also surviving in Greece are two siblings, a sister Zoe Sambarthes and a brother Stephanos Frangakis. Also surviving are two great-grandchildren, Alexandros Gregory and Ignatios Koutroulelis. 

The family would like to thank Kel Lee Ryan and Onika Trim for the excellent care they provided our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Kel Lee Ryan gave excellent care for six years, even through COVID and other illnesses. Kel Lee was more than a caregiver; she accompanied John to all of the family celebrations. 

Viewing from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 7:00-9:00 PM. Tresagion service at 8:30 PM. Additional viewing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 10:00-11:00 AM followed by his funeral service at 11:00 AM from Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611. Fr. Theodore Petrides, Proistamenos, will officiate. 

Entombment in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township. In lieu of flowers, make contributions in John’s memory to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. 

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2024 Oratorical Festival Participants

Matthew Patestas was the winner in the Senior Division of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorial Festival.

Teddy Antonellos was the winner in the Junior Division of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

The Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter 61 awarded the 2024 Patrick Phyrillas Memorial Scholarship to two participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. 

The winning participants were Matthew Patestas in the Senior Division and Teddy Antonellos in the Junior Division. Each student was awarded $500.00

The Scholarship was created in honor of Patrick Phyrillas, who passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, at the age of 22, following a tragic automobile accident. Patrick was the son of Tony and Soula Phyrillas. Tony has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years and has served in all the officer positions in the chapter.

Patrick Phyrillas participated in the Oratorical Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church every year from 4th grade through 12th grade. May His Memory Be Eternal.

Participants of the 2024 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa., with clergy and Festival Co-Chair Stevie Henry.

AHEPA Chapter No. 61 Donates $5,000 to Church AGAPE Fund

Rev. Father Theodore Petrides of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church accepts a check for $5,000 from AHEPA Chapter 61 President George Giovanis to benefit the church's AGAPE Fund. The Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA raised the money through the chapter's annual golf tournament. The AGAPE Fund is used to help people in need from the Reading community. Families who need financial assistance to pay for food, shelter, medical bills and utility bills have been helped in the past by the church.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Officers Elected for 2024-25

The election of AHEPA Chapter No. 61 officers for the 2024-25 administrative year was held on Monday, February 5, 2024, at a dinner meeting at Crossroads Restaurant.

The following officers were elected unanimously:

President George J. Giovanis

Vice President Jonathan Thompson

Treasurer Tony Phyrillas

Secretary Dean Kraras

Correspondence Secretary Dean Whitman

Board of Governors:

Christopher Wagner, Chairman

Christos Dikos

Christ G. Kraras

Evan Zervanos

Congratulations to all the AHEPA Brothers for volunteering to serve as chapter officers for the coming year. The new administrative year begins on July 1, 2024.

In Memoriam: Nicholas Platanos

Nicholas Platanos, 81, formerly of Muhlenberg Township, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, in Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, Conn. 

He was the husband of the late Kathryn A. (Wepsic) Platanos, who passed away on February 18, 2021. 

Born in Lesbos, Greece, Nick was the son of the late Christomos and Felicia Platanos. 

He was a member of Saint Mathews Greek Orthodox Church and subsequently Saint Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa.

Nick was a longtime member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter No. 61, having been initiated into the Order of AHEPA on March 19, 1989. 

Nick served in the Greek Navy and came to the U.S. on a tanker ship via Albany, then to New York City where he met Kathryn one month after his arrival. He was employed by several Greek Restaurants in New York City and eventually opened Mr. Nick's Pizza in New York City on 1st Ave. 

Mr. and Mrs. Platanos moved to Reading, PA, and continued their life together where he was a janitor at Palmer Chocolate Company. Mr. Platanos left school at the age of 6 to go to work to help provide for his family. His incredible work ethic and love for Kathryn over 52 years serve as an example to all. He is now reunited with Kathy as their love continues throughout eternity. 

Nick is survived by his son Christopher C. Platanos, husband of Joanne Platanos residing in Madison, Connecticut, and his grandson, Nicholas L. Platanos. He is also survived by his brothers Mike Platanos of Kenhorst and Fouti Platanos of Athens, Greece and was preceded in death by Tasous and Lambros. 

Funeral Service will be held at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd. Reading, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at 11 a.m. Reverend Theodore Petrides will officiate. Interment will follow at Laureldale Cemetery. Viewing from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church on Friday prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to be made to The International Wildlife Coexistence Network at https://wildlifecoexistence.org/donate/ in memory of Mr. Nicholas Platanos.

Bean Funeral Home 1605 Rockland Street, Reading, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

Reading AHEPA Chapter recognizes Anna Frangakis Burkman & Deluxe Restaurant

AHEPA President George Giovanis presents Anna Frangakis Burkman with a framed certificate commending her and the Deluxe Restaurant for its support of the Reading AHEPA Chapter.

Anna Frangakis Burkman was honored by AHEPA Chapter No. 61 for her family's support of the Order of AHEPA. Burkman is the owner of the Deluxe Restaurant in Shillington, where the Reading AHEPA chapter has been holding many of its dinner meetings for the past decade. Anna and her staff have provided delicious meals and a private room for AHEPA Chapter meetings. Deluxe Restaurant has also supported the chapter's annual golf tournament and scholarship banquet.

In Memoriam: George D. Zeppos

George D. Zeppos, 77, of Wyomissing, passed away on September 20, 2023 at Reading Hospital.

George D. Zeppos

He was the loving husband of Diane Schrenko Zeppos. They were married on April 25, 1971, and enjoyed over 52 years of marriage.

Born in Vlahokerasia, Greece, he was a son of the late Demosthenes G. and Magdalene Katsafanas Zeppos. He immigrated to America in 1954.

George was a graduate of Reading High School in 1964, Penn State University in 1968, and did graduate work at Temple University.

He was a high school teacher in the Reading School District until 1973. Later he co-owned and operated Schmeck's Family Restaurant, The Hitching Post, and Perry Dutch Diner, retiring in 2000.

George was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and the Order of AHEPA. He was initiated into the Reading AHEPA Chapter 40 years ago.

George was a history enthusiast. He was very proud of his Greek heritage and had a great passion for the United States of America. He enjoyed traveling abroad with his family. George loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in various sporting activities.

In addition to his wife Diane, he is survived by two sons, Alexander (Colleen) Zeppos, Wyomissing, and Lt. Col. Christopher (Lt. Col. Laura) Zeppos, Columbus, MS; grandchildren: Aleko Jr., Sophia, Chloe, Jordan, and Luke; and siblings: Peter, Gus, Martha, and Alex. He was predeceased by siblings: George, Georgia, Taso, and John. George is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services will be Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19611, with burial to follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is honored to assist the Zeppos family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.

2023 AHEPA Ernie Orphanos Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament A Success

AHEPA Chapter 61 President George Giovanis, far right, congratulates the winning team at the 2023 Scholarship Golf Tournament. Pictured left-to-right: Kyle Bergh, Dino Kotsakis and Gus Kotsakis. Missing in the photo of the winning foursome is Vasili Kotsakis.

READING AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC

The 14th Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Classic was held on Saturday, August 19, concluding another successful year for the Reading AHEPA chapter.  

Congratulations to the 2023 tournament foursome champions – Gus Kotsakis, Vaz Kotsakis, Dino Kotsakis, and Kyle Bergh. The second-place tournament winners were Steve Silverman, Jim Leupold, Dave Landau, and Putter Lutz.  

We were truly blessed with beautiful weather and all participants had a most enjoyable day of golf, fellowship and good food. 

In addition to the 66 golf participants, 45 individual and business sponsors helped bring in $14,975.00 in revenue, resulting in a net profit of $9,235.94. 

This is great news, AHEPA once again was able to raise more than $9,000 for the scholarship fund and other worthy AHEPA charities in our Berks community and beyond!  

The proceeds from this annual event provide scholarships for our Berks County youth to continue their education following high school graduation. These young men and women have gone on to successful academic and professional careers that give back to our same community that supported them with these AHEPA scholarships.

 Previous Reading AHEPA Chapter Scholarship Award Recipients

• 2011 – Jonathan Thompson and Evangelia Shunk
• 2012 – Alexandra Dikos, Grayson S. Helm and Maria Phyrillas
• 2013 – Olivia Damore and Bern Donahue
• 2014 – Stergios Dikos, Stephen Lambriodes and Andrew J. Lountzis
• 2015 – Jessica Craciun, Stavanna C. Donahue and Anastasis S. Phyrillas
• 2016 – Michelle Craciun, Jocelyn Dialectos, Alexander Lountzis and James Phyrillas
• 2017 – Guerino D. Caloiero, Nicholas Lecatsas, Alexander Midouhas and Chrisovalantis A. Siozos
• 2018 – Karissa A. Dialectos, Patrick A. Phyrillas, Vasilis S. Phyrillas and Chris C. Sterious
• 2019 – Anthony Futrick, Angeliki Miranda-Ganas, Joanna Lee Helm, Eleni Sterious and Zoe Thompson
• 2020 – Anna Caloiero, Antonia Dikos, Alan Futrick, Jr., Gabe Koumaras, Mackenzie Kraras, Peyton Kraras, Amara Midouhas and Dante Porcaro
• 2021 – Stephen Mitchell
• 2022 – Carly Futrick, Nick Lountzis, Demetrios P. Scantzos, Amanda Tilley and Alexander “Aleko” G. Zeppos
• 2023 – Courtney Futrick, Alexia Polyak, Maria Sasaran, Dionysia D. Sterious and Brian Wadsworth.

 

Archepiscopal Encyclical on the Day of Commemoration of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus

Archepiscopal Encyclical on the Day of Commemoration of the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America - Orthodox Church

Photo Highlights from 2023 AHEPA Chapter 61 Scholarship Banquet

 

Reading High School Alumni Association honors Tony Phyrillas as Distinguished Alumni

The 2023 Reading High School alumni honorees are from left: Aigné Goldsby, Linda Kelleher and Tony Phyrillas. 

READING — Three "Distinguished Alumni" - including AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas - were honored on May 20, 2023, by the Reading High School Alumni Association at its Annual Reunion and Recognition Banquet.

The event, which also featured the awarding of $2,000 scholarships to 15 graduating seniors, was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

The 2023 honorees:

• Tony Phyrillas, a 1979 graduate of Reading High School who has been editor of The Mercury in Pottstown, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper, since 2016. Phyrillas has received numerous state and national awards for journalistic excellence during his 40-year career and was also honored for his community service. Tony has served 2 years on the Mount Penn Borough Council, 5 years on the Central Berks Regional Police Commission, helped founded the Kiwanis Club of East Penn Valley, and has been a member of the Parish Council at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church since 1996 and a member of the Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 of the Order of AHEPA for 35 years.

• Aigné Goldsby, a 2007 Reading High School graduate who went on to complete law school and is an attorney in Connecticut. She is also an author, career coach, motivational speaker and founder of Black Esquire LLC, which is dedicated to increasing the number of Black lawyers in the U.S.

• Linda Kelleher, a 1976 graduate of Reading High School who serves as City Clerk for the City of Reading, a position she has held since 1996. Kelleher oversees and coordinates Reading City Council’s legislative action, committee agenda development, budget policies, programs and project management operations.

The banquet concluded with the awarding of scholarships to 2023 Reading High School graduating seniors.

The three Reading High alumni honorees are joined by the 2023 scholarship winners.

In Memoriam: William P. Sakellaropoulos

William P. “Billy the Greek” Sakellaropoulos, 78, husband of the late Ann B. (Baronoff) Sakellaropoulos, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2023, at Reading Hospital.

Billy Sakellaropoulos

Born in Athens, Greece, he was the son of the late Pericles Sakellaropoulos and Maria (Komninos) Sakellaropoulos.

William was a member of the “Y.R.” Club in Wyomissing and a member of the SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading. He has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter since 2010.

He owned and operated many eating establishments throughout his life.

Surviving is his daughter Keely DeAngelis, of Boyertown; son Periklis Sakellaropoulos, of Athens, Greece; sister Christine Zeritis, of Athens, Greece.

Services will be held privately by the family at this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society Of Berks County (https://www.petlists.org/shelters/humane-society-of-berks-county-reading-pa) in William’s name.

AHEPAN Tony Phyrillas to be honored by Reading High School Alumni Association

One of our AHEPA Chapter members will be honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the Reading High School Alumni Association Annual Reunion and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, May 20, 2023. 

Tony Phyrillas, a 1979 graduate of Reading Senior High School, is currently the editor of The Mercury, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper in Pottstown. Phyrillas is being recognized for his 40-year career in journalism and his volunteer work at his church and the Berks County community. 

Phyrillas has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years.

Reading High alumni and guests are invited to attend the luncheon at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn St., Reading. Festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with lunch served promptly at 12:00 p.m. 

Cost is $35 per person. Reservations forms were included in the Spring issue of the Alumni Newsletter and can also be made online at https://readinghighschoolalumni.org/banquet/ 

Tables of 8 can be reserved if you want to sit with a group. 

The reservation deadline, including your food selection, is May 8, 2023.

AHEPA Chapter 61 Awards Scholarships to 2023 Oratorical Festival Participants

Matthew Patestas was the first-place winner in the Senior Division

Maria Wagner was the first-place winner in the Junior Division.

The Gust C. Kraras AHEPA Chapter 61 awarded the inaugural Patrick Phyrillas Memorial Scholarship to two participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading, Pa. 

The winning participants were Matthew Patestas in the Senior Division and Maria Wagner in the Junior Division. Each student was awarded $500.00.

The Scholarship was created in honor of Patrick Phyrillas, who passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, at the age of 22, following a tragic automobile accident. Patrick was the son of Tony and Soula Phyrillas. Tony has been a member of the Reading AHEPA Chapter for 38 years and has served in all the officer positions in the chapter.

Patrick Phyrillas participated in the Oratorical Festival at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church every year from 4th grade through 12th grade. May His Memory Be Eternal.