Euripides Pikrallidas

Euripides Demetri Pikrallidas

Born on October 6, 1931 – November 21, 2011

PROGRAM

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m. , Saturday, November 26, 2011

St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church

Grave Site Service

National Memorial Park

Falls Church, Virginia

Reception

St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church

OBITUARY

Euripides D. Pikrallidas was born in Karavas, Cyprus, on October 6, 1931. His parents were Anastasia and Demetri Pikrallidas, siblings are Kostas, Eugenia, and the late Eftyhia.

In 1961, Euripides married Androula in Karavas, Cyprus, and a year later, came to the United States where they started a family. They had three daughters, Effie, Anastasia and Demetra.

Euripides attended the “Pancyprion High School” the most prestigious high school in Cyprus, at the time. Only top students from around the country were hand-picked to attend that school in the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia. He diligently took the bus from our home town of Karavas to Nicosia every day (over an hour drive one way) for four years.

Shortly after his graduation from high school, Euripides emigrated to the United States where he worked at his uncle’s restaurant, attended and graduated from George Washington University. As a history major, he excelled in his studies and became a walking encyclopedia of world history, especially European history.

Euripides was multilingual, and spoke Greek, English, Italian, French and Spanish - - fluently. In addition, it was not uncommon to hear him speaking German or another language when meeting someone who could not speak English.

During his time at GW, the Korean War was in full swing, and Euripides did not

hesitate to enlist in order to serve his country. He served with distinction as a

Sergeant in the U.S. Army, at times seeing combat duty on the front lines. He always

spoke with thoughtfulness and deep respect about the local Korean population and a

few times would risk getting into trouble with his superiors when he tried to help

local villagers by providing food and transportation to them.

In 1963, Euripides was also given the nick name of “Roy”. He had purchased a “Mom & Pop” store in Washington D. C. which he operated until 1968. From there he embarked upon a 30 year career at Safeway, in Georgetown, outside of Washington D.C. Like many of his native countrymen and women, Dad exhibited a very strong work ethic, often putting in ten hours a day, six to seven days a week, never to complain. During his tenure at Safeway in Georgetown, he had encountered many politicians and dignitaries, and with his birth country in the forefront of his mind, he would solicit their help and support, as well as for their lobbying efforts, to protest the illegal Turkish occupation of Cyprus.

Euripides loved his native Cyprus. He would spend hours talking about the island’s beauty and the wonderful childhood and lifestyle he had experienced there. He developed a witty and dry sense of humor which was very likely learned and attributed to the English presence, and from his formal English schooling.

He had a beautiful way with words, often poetic and eloquent, which came so naturally to him. On the few occasions when he would speak in public, there would be numerous people that would comment on his style. His writing was not any different, as he would submit stories and opinions to local papers about various topics. Again, people would comment on his uncanny ability to choose words that made you want to read over and over again.

In 1974, Euripides had sent his family to Cyprus, where he planned to join them two weeks later, for an extended family vacation. One week after Androula and his daughters had arrived; the Turkish invasion had commenced and was well underway. This created a tidal wave of fear and anxiety, as Euripides lost contact with his family for approximately one month. Once his family had safely returned to the United States, he became active in the Cyprus Society as a vocal adversary of the illegal occupation and was always ready and willing to assist any refugee of Cyprus.

Euripides was a dedicated family man who was passionate about the American dream ideal and all that it represented. He loved America. At one point he was working three jobs to achieve his goal to buy and own a home that he could share with his family.

At home, Euripides was a true gardener and a passionate botanist. He loved to plant flowers and tend to his garden. He had a variety of plants that he would nurture and grow to maturity. It was not unusual for him to bring in a unique looking seedling that he would transplant. He would love to pass along separate seedlings to his daughters so that they could add to their gardens.

Whenever Euripides visited his daughters, he would take on the role of a gardener. He would start trimming, cutting and weeding anything that needed care. During his visits to Boston, to spend time with his daughter Effie and her family, he would devote countless hours tending to her flowers and shrubs. Neighbors would comment on the length of time he would be outside gardening. Even when he was ill, you could still see his desire to go pick a dead leaf, or weed a small area.

Always giving and thoughtful, you could never leave Euripides’ home without a bag of groceries, fruit, vegetables or canned goods. When commuting to Washington DC in the 1960’s, he would always stop and offer the homeless and other people money to buy coffee. He was humble and giving.

Anyone who visited him would leave with a bag of “goods”. It became comical, because friends would say that if they ran out of food, they would go to Roy’s home for a grocery refill.

When Euripides retired from Safeway, he and his wife Androula traveled to Cyprus, Jerusalem, Canada and California. He cherished this new stage of his life of spending time with his family, visiting other states and countries, and tending to his garden. He took up fishing and would often go on fishing trips with a neighborhood friend to Chesapeake Bay, returning with a bounty of Rock Bass.

Dad was also an avid reader of world politics and history, and could quote and recite many books about various topics. He had a very healthy life style, exercising every day, and would strictly follow the “Mediterranean diet.” He had a sweet tooth, and his family would surprise him with chocolate or baked goods. He loved dark chocolate, and nuts, something passed on to his daughters and grand children!

Dad had great love for his church and his Greek Orthodox religion.

In 2001, Euripides started showing signs of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. With the diligent care by his physician, Dr. Michael Trahos, his quality of living was prolonged with proper medication and attentiveness. In 2010, his condition deteriorated as he could no longer be cared for at home. He was taken to a beautiful and caring environment called Aarondale. The team of professionals at Aarondale, along with Dr. Trahos, helped him stay comfortable. Even while ill, “Papa Roy” Euripides maintained a witty way about him, bringing laughter and smiles to the staff. Euripides is survived by his wife Androula, three daughters, Effie, Anastasia and Demetra; three son in-law’s, Evan H. Ypsilantis, Daniel A. Copeland and Robert Cerminaro; five grandchildren, Ashley V. Cerminaro, Andrea N. Copeland, Daniel A. Copeland II, Everett V. Ypsilantis, and Evan H. Ypsilantis, II; two siblings, a brother, Kostas Pikrallidas, and a sister Eugenia Kontos.

He will be missed. WE LOVE YOU Dad! Thank you for everything you have given us.

Never forget Dad’s favorite quote: “When you snooze you lose,” which has been an inspiration and motivation to never procrastinate and always persevere.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Euripides' memory to St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, VA 22041. www.saint-katherines.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Priest - Father Costas

Guitarist-Daniel A. Copeland II

Pall Bearers

Robert Cerminaro

Daniel A. Copeland

Costas G. Patsalosavvis

Demitri Pikrallidas

Evan H. Ypsilantis

Dr. Michael C. Trahos

Arrangements under the direction of National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA.