A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

Gregory Kosta Kyritsis fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2020 surrounded by his family in love and prayer. Funeral arrangements were private due to Covid-19. Greg will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his infectious smile, a commitment to living with integrity, and for his immense love for God and his fellow man.

Gregory was a devoted Orthodox Christian who lived his life loving everyone always. For Greg, family was his whole world and he doted on his wife, Vassie, of 46 years, and instilled a strong faith in God and a respect for mankind in his two daughters, Anna Nicole, and Constantina. He earned his bachelor's degree from Long Beach State University, a Master's Degree from Pepperdine University and completed Command College. He had a very fulfilling career in law enforcement for 45 years, with 30 years at San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and 15 years at POST (Peace Officer's Standards and Training) in Sacramento. Greg's passion for Law Enforcement and training, is evident by the resources and legacy he leaves behind. He spent a majority of his career developing the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Training Academy which introduced The Emergency Vehicle Operation Center (EVOC), The Tire House and Tower for SWAT, new classrooms in the north campus, and the expansion of all the ranges. He lived his commitment to a lifetime of physical fitness and led by example as he trained physically with all Academy classes, even as a Captain. He implemented the Verbal Judo (Dr. George Thompson) and Character Counts (Michael Josephson) programs for training officers, which are still widely used today, and was even caught routinely implementing them at home with his family. He was dedicated to teaching his recruits' and training officers to make the right call in every situation, even when it affects your career, and encouraged them to pursue higher education as a means to enhancing the overall level of law enforcement in society. Greg led by example with making difficult and career-altering life decisions, as he was dedicated to living life with honesty and integrity and putting others first.

Greg especially enjoyed his last 15 years at POST as a Senior Consultant, where he was afforded the opportunity to work on projects to enhance the law enforcement community with many wonderful colleagues, and spent time as Acting Bureau Chief. When he began his second career at POST, his first assignment was to work on the homeless project. This assignment affected him personally as he befriended some of the homeless near his office and spent time with some of them during his daily walks. This had a profound impact on him and furthered his commitment to helping those in need. During his time at POST he championed the Career Pipeline and worked closely with schools on developing a Public Safety Academy Program for youth grades 5-12, where he incorporated Michael Josephson's Character Counts program and served on the Advisory Board. The success of this program was inspiring, and just before he died Greg learned that the Public Safety Academy in Fairfield, CA ranked as a top school per US News and World Report.

Gregory was dedicated to his church communities of Saint Anna's in Roseville and Prophet Elias in San Bernardino, where he served as parish council president for many terms collectively, as well as chaired and worked on committees to fundraise for others. In his youth, Greg was an active member of the Long Beach chapter of the Sons of Pericles, where he served as District Governor, and later became a member of the San Bernardino Arrowhead Chapter of AHEPA. He had a remarkable positive outlook on life, even when faced with adversity, and taught his family that God's immense love for us carries us through all of life's hardships and challenges. He lived his favorite life motto that "Life is about having a plan B, as plan B is the test of true character." Even his grandchildren have adopted their Papou Greg's life lesson and are now teaching others about having a plan B.

Gregory will be missed by so many and joins those in eternal life who preceded him in death, to include his daughter Sophia Alexis, and his parents Anna and Kosta Kyritsis. He is survived by his loving wife Vassie, daughters Anna Nicole and Constantina, two grandchildren, Ody, and Sophia, his brother Fr. Jim Kyritsis (Presvytera Katherine), sister Marina Athens (Nick), sister and his stem cell donor Theodora Winn (Jim), many nieces and nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and his best friend Jim Nunn (Carol and Kaysie). We thank him for the great legacy he leaves behind and we pray that his memory be eternal! Donations may be made in his memory to the Monastery of the Holy Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring at PO Box 549, Dunlap, CA 93621, or to the Building Fund at Saint Anna's Greek Orthodox Church at 1001 Stone Canyon Drive, Roseville, CA 95661.

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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