Constantin Balanos 76, passed away into the arms of our Lord on Thursday, January 13, 2022; after his long battle with Lewy body in Parkinson disease. Constantin was born in 1945 in Athens, Greece. He was the youngest of 3 siblings born from his mother Garifalia and father Ioannis. Constantin worked in the family business from a young age in his family's box manufacturing company. He met his soulmate Anastasia Chryssou at the young age of 18. One of the requirements in Greece was to enlist in the military; so, he did in 1967 and served for 2 years. He was immediately promoted to Sergeant and was also in charge of radar systems for the Air Force over the Mediterranean. After completing his service to his country, he decided to marry Anastasia in 1969. The marriage took place in Cameroon, where Constantin had traveled to; then worked as a Commercial Wholesaler of Coffee Beans. In 1970 Constantin had his first-born son John, and after returning back to Greece in 1972 his daughter Litsa was born.

As many people back in those days did; he later immigrated to the United States in search of the American Dream. At first, he worked in the restaurant industry and eventually decided to grow his own business. Constantin was always a self-made man and decided to start his company as a restaurant supplier and produce business. Aside from the long hours and strenuous work he endured for many years, he still found time to be an active father. He always made time to teach and support his children to never quit and always be honest and hard working. Whether it was sending them on many trips to Greece; so, they could learn the language, live the culture and enjoy their family abroad; things that he experienced when he was younger or taking them with him to work; so they could appreciate the value that hard work brings. He loved introducing his children to sports and he did his best to make time in order to attend their sporting events and actively helping to coach and support them in being successful at whatever it was they wanted to do, as a father he did his job.

Constantin loved taking the family with him to many events; whether it was family functions, trips, and his weekend soccer games. A kind man with a warm heart, but also a heart of a lion. In 1976 Constantin was presented with the award of most Valuable Soccer Player in Los Angeles. He became the co-founder of Doxa Italia Soccer Club in 1997. This team was his passion later in his life; and the team mirrored his winning mentality, by becoming the winningest semiprofessional soccer team in the U.S. In his personal life he loved watching his beloved Lakers or going to games with his family. In his final years, he spent time helping his son in all matters of the restaurant they opened up in 2004. When it came to generosity, he never said no to anyone who was needy; even if it put his home in financial peril. He never sat still, he never rested in his life, and always made time and effort to help anyone that needed it. He never rested, until now. He leaves his wife Anastasia; which he has known for 58 years, he leaves behind his oldest son John and Daughter Litsa, 5 grandchildren and many sad hearts he touched. May the angels welcome him with all the joyous trumpets of celebration and love that he deserves. Thank you, heavens, for sharing his life with ours.

Trisagion will be at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Funeral service will be at 11:00am on Wednesday January 26, 2022. Both services will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles. Interment to follow at Valley Oaks Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

______________________________

Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

AmericanObituary.com is a Baywalk Marketing service.

facebook.com/AmericanObituary - twitter.com/AmericaObituary