James Alexander Hasapis

James Alexander Hasapis passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023. He was born in Manhattan on February 12, 1930 to the late James and Lefcothea nee Kyriakides. Following his father’s passing in 1932, he was relocated to Athens, Greece with his mother and sisters. His time in Greece spanned WWII and the German occupation of Athens. The experiences he lived through during his early years would shape his hard as nails endurance and build within him a strength of character, loyalty to family, and love of Greece that remained a part of him to his final day.

James returned to NY in 1946, traveling alone on a transatlantic ship armed with one word of English in his vocabulary, “okay,” and twenty-five cents in his pocket. He went on to master the English language and served as a translator for military intelligence in the US Army.

He married his beloved Helen “Eleni” Hatjaras in 1957 and together they created their home and family in Bayside, NY. He was a cosmetologist and owned 4 salons in the Forest Hills area of Queens for over 30 years.

James will always be remembered as a man who fiercely loved his family, his home, and Greece. A man of incredible strength, he believed in hard work, humility, honesty, and honor. He was as strict with his children as he was with himself, never putting himself first. He held strong views and although not all agreed with him, James maintained the respect of all who came into his life. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand or show kindness and support to anyone in need.

He was predeceased by his son, Alexander Hasapis. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen, his daughters Despina Cucinotta and Constance Sakal (Joseph), his daughter-in-law Dana Hasapis, his 4 grandchildren Christina Cucinotta, Thomas Cucinotta (Kellie), Victoria Sakal, and Daniel Sakal, his two great-grandchildren Kimberly Cucinotta and Cameron Cucinotta, as well as his nieces and nephews.

Donations in honor of James can be made to St. Jude’s Children hospital.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A visitation will occur Thursday, July 6, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A liturgy will occur Friday, July 7, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at St. Nicholas G.O. Church, 196-10 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358. A committal service will occur Friday, July 7, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Flushing Cemetery, 163-06 46th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11358.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Hasapis family.