Evangelos "Evan" Psomas

Evangelos “Evan” Psomas was born in New York on February 10, 1961, the 2nd son of loving immigrant parents Paul and Irene Psomas. He quickly became the younger brother and sidekick to John and their many Greek-American friends on the ‘island’ of New York. His childhood was filled with cub scouts, Greek school, church and summer vacations to Clearwater Beach. In 1972, at age 11, his family moved to Clearwater and there he spent his childhood surrounded by the water as his love for the sea stayed with him throughout his life.

After ending High School as a proud Tarpon Springs Sponger and a brief, but memorable stint at the University of Florida, he joined the Navy. His long Naval career as a Boatswain Mate 1st class began on the Submarine U.S.S Henry L. Stimson and received the Order of the Ditch passing through the Panama Canal on the U.S.S Paul FF1080. He was particularly proud of his time in Dover, Delaware giving honor to fallen service members after the 1st Gulf War and the time defending our nation as a Reservist after 9/11. The Navy buddies he met along with way became lifelong friends.

As a civilian, Evan tried his hands at many things including being a pizza chef, Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner Salesman and spent many years working side by side with his brother painting Tampa Bay’s Finest Homes. The call to the sea and working with his hands brought him ultimately to a long career as a project manager for Teakdecking Systems. He refurbished cruise ships, private yachts and military vessels. He was proud to say that he restored the U.S.S. North Carolina battle ship.

Evan met the love of his life Rina on a blind date set up by his future brother-in-law in August, 1994. After years of off-and-on dating (5 Years), Evan proposed on New Year’s Day 1999, and were soon married in the Greek church with reception following on his father-in-law’s ship, the Starlight Majesty. Soon after moving to the Tree House on Georgia Avenue, Evan and Rina welcomed the birth of their pride and joy, Irini. Irini will always be our little princess and she will continue to make him proud each and every day.

His true passion was being at home with his wife and daughter surrounded by many friends and family, cooking Easter Lamb and souvlakia, meatloaf, making lasagna and meat-‘sawse’, and of course his ever famous Baklava. The patio table as his Del Oro Groves home will never be the same without several empty coffee cups, his can of Bud Light and crossword puzzles.

He was always joyful, full of life and kefi. The house was always warm and open; traits he learned from his mother and father.

Evan is survived by his wife, Rina, daughter Irini, brother John (Luke) and a multitude of uncles, aunts, and cousins (too many to mention) back home in Greece.

May you have fair winds and following seas our dear Evan. Until we meet again.

At Evan’s request, in Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation to a cause dear to him – the Wounded Warriors Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate