Gregory P. Raptis

Worcester

Gregory P. Raptis,97, of 6 Bancroft St. died Sunday, April 17, at home.
His wife, Efthimia (Scopas) Raptis died in 1995. He leaves two sons, George Raptis of Hampton, NH and Theophilos Raptis of Worcester; a daughter, Helen Kitsilis of Worcester; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A son, Markos Raptis of Worcester died in 2001. He was born in 1908 in Tsamanta Epirus, Greece, son of Panayiotis and Katerina (Natsis) Raptis. He emigrated to America in 1957 where he presided over and mentored a vast extended family. Throughout the next five decades his wisdom and character shaped his family and friends.

Mr. Raptis was a decorated soldier, who honorably served as a medic in the Greek resistance against the Nazi occupying force and the Greek War of Liberation.

Mr. Raptis was employed at the Westboro State Hospital from 1958 to 1973, prior to that he was a Coppersmith for many years in Greece. In retirement he helped his family members in their respective restaurant businesses. He was an avid and enthusiastic gardener and a repository of philosophical and theological knowledge. His guiding influence on all who knew him will be sorely missed. He was a longtime member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the St. George Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamanta, a public charity and the Athenian Society for the Blind.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, April 20, from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a service at 10 a.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling Hours are Tuesday, April 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Trisagion service will be held during calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross For Tsunami Relief Effort, PO Box 97089, Washington, DC 20090-7089 or the above charities.