Konstantinos "Kosta" Kontes was born in Parikia, Paros, Greece on June 4, 1941. He was raised on the islands of Syros and Paros and never lost his love for his homeland and in particular "his islands". As a young adult, he sailed the seas as a merchant marine. As second sea captain, he had the opportunity to travel the world. It was in one particular stop in Alexandria, Egypt where he met Stella who was originally from Greece and she would become the love of his life, and eventually his wife. In 1970, they began their life together in Los Angeles, where their two children, Sophia and Nickolas were born and raised. Kosta and Stella joined the parish of Saint Sophia, where Stella worked in the office for decades. Saint Sophia and the L.A. Greek community provided Kosta and his family the Greek customs they had left behind in Greece. Kosta provided for his young family in various forms of food service, ultimately starting Golden Greek Produce in 1977 with one van and one employee, himself. He grew the business and in doing so created many lifetime friendships.

Kosta had a heart of gold. He never showed up without a gift, no matter how small. As a Papou, he doted on his grandchildren, while teaching them about Greek customs and heritage. After 50 years in the U.S. one would have thought his English might have been better than it was, but he made due and wasn't afraid to laugh at himself when he frequently created his own Greek-lish.

Kosta had a long time hobby of collecting Greek coins and stamps. He always loved animals. Over the years, he brought home dogs, cats, rabbits, chicks and even a duck for Sophia and Nicko. They always kept a bird in the house because he believed they brought good luck. Canaries were his favorite. He loved gardening and growing any fruit or vegetable he could. It was said that he could grown anything because he never let any flower or plant die. As a widow, he developed a love of baking. His breads and galaktobouriko were a favorite for the family.

Kosta leaves behind a sister (Eleni Camperos), daughter and son-in-law (Sophia and Michael Helm), son and daughter-in-law (Nickolas and Christina Kontes), four grandchildren (Keagan, Stella, Alexandria and Constantine) and numerous family and friends. We will miss his laughter and his love. His simple love of life and nature will not be forgotten. But we know he is so happy to be home with Jesus, his beloved wife and his parents. May his memory be eternal.

Trisagion at 7pm on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Saint Sophia Cathedral with coffee reception following in the hall.

Funeral at 11am on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Donations can be made to Saint Sophia Cathedral or www.therescuetrain.org

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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