After graduating high school in 1957 from The Gymnasium for Boys in the capital city of Argostoli, “Dennis” joined the Merchant Marines as a cadet. He traveled the high seas, but was quick to say the sea was not very good to him. While stopped in Houston after two years of being a seaman, he jumped ship without a visa and enrolled at the University of Houston. After completing two years at UH, Dennis was deported back to Greece and returned a year later to the United States to continue his education, earning a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. After graduation from the University of Houston, Dennis was hired by Shell Oil Company as a Research Mathematician where he worked for 35 years and retired in 1998.
Mr. Phocas is survived by his wife of 51 years, Paula Manchaca Phocas, and his two daughters, their husbands, and one granddaughter: Frances and Vincent Tortorice, and their daughter Mariana; Rozalia and Rick Ford. He is also survived by siblings and their families, all of whom live in New York: Jimmy Fokas, Lia Spathis, Nick Fokas, Tony Fokas, and Vaso Mouzakitis. He is preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Persefoni Fokas, and sister, Niki Giannousis.
Pallbearers are Yonny G. Demeris, Billy Vlahakos, Jimmy Demeris, George Demeris, John Vogiatzis, Carl Manchaca, Rick Ford, and Vincent Tortorice.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 7, 2017 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am, at St. George Orthodox Church, 5311 Mercer St., Houston, TX 77005.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a relief fund of your choice that will assist in the rebuilding of Houston and Southeast Texas.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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