Steven Elias Petrou

February 16, 1948 to January 24, 2017

Truth. Steven Elias Petrou’s story is defined by the pursuit of truth, getting the story right. As an investigative television journalist, documentarian and attorney, he sought the truth and made sure that the facts were right. His love of justice defined his being. More than a character- trait, he defined himself as a believer in Christ and sought His truth. He rose each morning reading his Bible. He studied the early church, church fathers and attended Bible Studies, for which he continued his investigative questioning. He used his time, talent and stewardship to assist those in need in each of his careers.

Steve, of Greek heritage, was born in Cairo, Egypt on February 16, 1948 to Dimitri and Kiki Petrou, who provided his Christian foundation. He spoke Greek in the home, Arabic when out and went to a German school where he learned French. He spent his summers in Alexandria with his beloved grandmother swimming in the Mediterranean His family left Egypt and settled in New York City. He became fascinated with television journalism and completed his Master’s Degree from Columbia University’s School of Journalism. His journalism career took him to various television networks and affiliates. He met his wife, Sofia, in Birmingham, Alabama at a church function and married six months later. Their love story was captivating and adventurous. They handed down their venturous life-style to their three children, Teddy, Dean and Stephanie, who have continued the family tradition.

As an investigative reporter, Steve covered an array of stories and events. His goal was to always share the truth by capturing all the facts to tell a compelling story. His documentaries took him from Texas to Greece to the Middle East; with topics from education, medicine and war. He left journalism after 20 years to pursue law. He graduated from South Texas School of Law at the top of his class all the while having children and anchoring at a local television station. His investigative and inquisitive nature served again to seek the truth and find justice in the courtroom.

Swimming and being by the ocean, playing and watching baseball, strumming guitar, exercising and dancing, and being with his family were the joys of his life. He suffered from cancer for over 20 years. He never allowed it to inhibit his life or interfere with his journeys. He gave freely his time, talents and stewardship to individuals and many organizations. His faith and church were the cornerstone of his life. He loved learning about the early church and constantly sought God’s truth. Honesty and integrity defined who he was as a man, husband, father and grandfather.

His life and family story is documented with thousands of feet of film, video and photos from his passion for photography. His eye for the camera was only surpassed by his creative writing. He exemplified compassion, never being judgmental. The love story that began with Sofia was briefly paused as he passed away in her arms hearing how much he was loved. Steve’s legacy is embodied with Teddy, his wife Eleni and their children Penelope and Nikolas, Dean, Stephanie and her husband Monte and their daughter Aria. He leaves behind his continued gratitude to his beloved family and in-laws, but his greatest legacy will always be his obedience in God’s will.

His family would like to thank their beloved clergy for their constant prayers and support: Father Nick Triantafilou; Father Michael Lambakis; Father Demetri Tagaropulos; Father Stelio Sitaris; and Father Angelo Pepps; Steve’s sister Dora Petsoulikis, husband Tony, for their constant encouragement and joy; Nadia Hionidis and her husband, Chris, for all the family reunions and continued travel to be by his side; his brother John, who truly gave of himself through stem cell donation; his brother-in-law Peter Lafakis and wife, Irene for their life-time of friendship, laugher and love; his devoted niece Irene Perello and her husband, Marcos, for their constant comfort and outreach, for his beloved cousin Gregory Holt and his wife, Lucy, who can only be summed up as brotherly love, and his surrogate father, former news director and beloved friend, Jerry Levin and his wife Sis, for his mentorship and love; to his devoted mother-in-law Argiro

Lafakis, who provided a lifetime of motherly love and her sister, Georgia Savvopoulos who traveled from Greece to be by his side; and o all the nieces and nephews; cousins, and family that live around the world, we thank you for your constant prayers.

And simply, Steve would want all to know him for this and remember: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:30 – 32.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Alter Fund for the Needy or St. Basil’s the Great Greek Orthodox Church.