Demetre was born in Pera, Greece, on March 3, 1945. He was raised by his loving parents, along with five siblings. He was a lovable and friendly boy who captured the hearts of everyone he met. As he grew, so did his curiosity and love of learning. As a young adult, Demetre met a man who was so impressed by his character that he wanted to introduce Demetre to his younger sister, Tina.

Because Tina had moved to America, she and Demetre became acquainted through the mail. They fell in love through letters and didn't meet in person until about a year later. During Tina's trip back to Greece, she and Demetre became certain that they were matched by God. They celebrated their wedding a couple of months after meeting in Messini, Greece.

The newlyweds moved to Glendale, California, became American citizens, and followed their American dream, all the while maintaining a love for their Greek heritage, language, and upbringing. Most importantly, they held firm to the Greek Orthodox faith that their parents had instilled in them. They had three daughters, Vula, Fotene, and Eleni, whom they raised with abundant love, as well as their shared values and culture.

Throughout his life, Demetre strove to expand his knowledge and skill set. Though he wasn't formally trained in various vocations, he persisted in teaching himself. Demetre was inquisitive and asked a lot of questions. Much of his acquisition of the English language was achieved by reading US News & World Report. He would underline all of the words in each issue that he didn't know and look up their meaning. As time went on and his vocabulary grew, he underlined less and less. In addition, he spent countless hours at the local hardware store learning about different trades in order to run and maintain his apartment rentals that he owned for over 40 years.

More importantly, Demetre developed a strong character during his lifetime, one that was admired by his children and six grandchildren. Through his example, they learned the value of hard work and gained an appreciation for their many blessings. He imparted wisdom and life lessons that have guided them in their own lives. Demetre was always available to offer his advice and assistance, and they felt his fatherly and grandfatherly love through his words and actions.

There are certain characteristics that encapsulate Demetre. For one, he was known for his humor. He would say that the jokes just bubbled up from inside of him and that he couldn't help but recall an appropriate one for the occasion. Demetre was able to make just about anyone laugh with his clever delivery of any of his storehouse full of jokes. In addition, he was appreciated for his easy and friendly way with strangers, going out of his way to greet them. Demetre believed in philoxenia. He welcomed people with his infectious smile, whether they were guests at his home, visitors at his church, people new to the neighborhood, or customers at the Safeway produce department, where he worked for many years. Another one of Demetre's trademarks was his love of language. He built an expansive vocabulary, impressing even native English speakers. He was interested in etymology and was particularly proud to teach his daughters and grandchildren about words of Greek origin. In adulthood, Demetre discovered a love for chanting. He channeled his musical inclination into teaching himself Byzantine chant. He spent countless hours studying books and listening to CDs of renowned chanters so that he could continually improve. His favorite hymn was "Pasa pnoi," or "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord." It is a fitting hymn because it reflects what he did in his life. But, the most noticeable trait that Demetre was known for was his admiration and love for his Tina. He treasured her and always introduced her as his better half. The two started off as a match made in heaven, and their love continued to flourish for all 50 years of their marriage. They were each other's best friend, unwavering supporter, and greatest company. The love they shared and their dedication to one another have always inspired their daughters and grandchildren.

Demetre was an honorable, hardworking, self-sacrificing, and tenacious man who put God and family first. He was a humble person and a gentle soul. He will be remembered affectionately and sorely missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren, as well as by his extended family, God-children, and friends.

Demetre's family will be ever-grateful to the great number of loved ones who showed such compassion and support during his illness and after his passing. Everyone's prayers and remembrances of Demetre have given his family comfort and hope during this difficult time.

Demetre fell asleep in the Lord on January 17, 2021. May his memory be eternal!

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery, 4784 N. St. Joseph's Way, Florence, AZ, 85132 or Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91107.

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

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

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