Elias Seraphim Natsiopoulos

Elias was born in Agios Kosmas, a small village outside of Grevena, a town in western Macedonia northern Greece. He immigrated to America at the age of 21. Elias married his wife Nancy, the love of his life, in February 1963. Survived by his two children, Veronica and Philip, and 5 Grandchildren; Philip Jr., Anthony, Kendel, Alyssa, and Meagan.

From Phil:

I am so grateful to have a father who was the greatest example of being a good husband, a good parent, a hard worker, a loyal friend to all who were his friends, and a kind and compassionate man to anyone he ever crossed paths with. A super-intelligent man and yet someone who would never speak or boast about himself not to mention ever promote himself. While at the same time his actions and the testimonies of all who knew him were deafening.

Our dad stepped into eternity and was reunited with our mom and is in the presence of Jesus Christ. It would take 100s of pages to describe and measure the impact my dad had on basically every person he ever encountered. It isn’t a stretch to say THE FIRST THING every person that I have ever met that knows my dad has said to me is “oh I just love your dad” and then instead of letting a potential overused polite statement linger there would be a specific follow up story about what he personally has done to impact them. From doctors, nurses, and care staff over the years who were involved with my mom’s care and in the last 4 years his own care, as well as, any person that he has worked with at Boeing or the FAA. The parishioners at the Greek Orthodox Church and the overall Greek community that he so loved and was involved in.

A greater testimony is the impact he had on his grandchildren. Each one loving him with all their heart. Each one looking up to him as a real-life example of a hero. Each one is motivated to finish college and pursue careers in their chosen fields. Each one is a model citizen in their own circles of influence.

The greatest testimony of all is the love story between him and my mom. Staying true and loving and loyal to a wife who suffered from multiple sclerosis for nearly 50 years. Never a complaint, never a why me? Never quitting on his wife and kids despite the heavy sacrifice. I’m so grateful for all that you did, all that you accomplished, and the way you lived your life in front of me. I love You, Baba.