Athena Stratidis Boccia

Athena Stratidis Boccia, 66, of Hamden, Connecticut, peacefully passed away on March 28, 2025, at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on May 12, 1958, in Manhattan, New York, to Greek immigrant parents Constantine and Diana Stratidis, Athena will forever be remembered for her boundless generosity, unconditional love, and her gift for brightening the lives of everyone she met.

Before starting a family, she graduated with honors from White Pines College in New Hampshire, earning an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development. Following her studies, her adventurous spirit led her to travel across Europe with her mother, creating unforgettable memories. She then embarked on a career in the banking industry, beginning as a part-time teller and steadily rising through the ranks to a regional management role. Above all, she cherished being a mother and providing for her beloved son, Jerry. In her later years, she returned home and helped care for her mother. Eventually, she found her way back to the field she loved—early childhood education. She became a daycare teacher at Sunshine Pre-School, where she thrived, delighting in reading to the children, playing with them, and making them smile.

She is survived by her son Jerry F. Boccia of Hamden; brothers Anthony C. Stratidis and his wife Elizabeth of Westbrook, Evangelos C. Stratidis and his wife Lisa of Essex; sister Christina M. Stratidis-Macrini of Branford; cousin Zoitza E. Stevens and her husband Michael of Haddam; uncle Spiros Floratos of Agrinion, Greece; godchildren Brianna S. Banach, Chelsea E. Stratidis, Corey E. A. Stratidis, Alexandria D. B. Stratidis, Richard Swain, and William Schneider; nieces and nephews Gabrielle Athena Stratidis, Zachary Stevens, Jason Stevens, Loretta McNamee, Jacqueline Martin, Natalie Martino, and countless other loved ones that will cherish her memory.

She was predeceased by her parents Constantine and Diana Stratidis, brother Gerasimos Stratidis, godparents William and Angela Economy, and her brother-in-law Robert Macrini. In God’s name, may they all rest in peace. Amen.