Thomas Richard Stamos

Thomas “Tom” Richard Stamos, 96, of Dana Point, CA, formerly of Riverside, CA and Norwich CT, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, September 4th, 2017. He was born on September 21, 1920 in Norwich, CT. He was the son of Christopher and Adelia Stamos.

Tom spent his childhood in Norwich, CT. His dad passed away at an early age causing Tom to leave school so that he could work to help support his family.

Tom met the “love of his life” Sophia Kostelos and was married on June 2, 1946. They spent 71 wonderful loving years together.

Tom was a World War II Veteran in the Navy. He was in the first wave of Normandy Beach and continued his service in the North Atlantic during World War II.

Upon returning home, he married Sophia Kostelos. He had two sons Christopher and Charles Stamos. Tom moved his family April 1st 1957 to sunny Riverside California.

He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service where he spent many years delivering mail. His nickname was “Great Calves” because he loved to walk his routes. When given the opportunity to deliver his mail by postal vehicle he declined. He loved his patrons.

He was a member of St. Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church where he served on the Parish Council, sang in the choir, volunteered with the youth programs and was a member of the Order of AHEPA. The center of his life revolved around his love for his church, his family, his extended family and his friends. To this day he is still called “coach”.

Tom had a genuine wit. He always had a great story to tell. He loved people and helping them. He was famous for his avgolemeno soup and chicken.

He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife Sophia Stamos, his two beloved sons, Christopher and his wife Suzanne Stamos of Dana Point, CA, Charles and his wife Florence Stamos of Fair Oaks, CA, ten grandchildren Sophia, Stephanie and Alexia Stamos, Alex and Katie Stamos, Anastasia and Dave Bonaccorso, Nick Stamos, and Peter and Mindee Stamos, and three great-grandchildren Andrew, Patrick and Elizabeth Stamos. He also leaves behind his sisters in law Mercina Biddle of San Clemente, CA and Mary Klemes and her husband John of Naples Florida, many loving nieces and nephews and his devoted care givers from The Renaissance at Dana Point.

A Trisagion Service will take place Sunday, September 10th at 7:00 PM Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504. Funeral Service will be Monday, September 11th at 10:00 AMat St. Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 1035 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408.

We’ll always remember Tom because there’ll never be anyone to replace him in our hearts and the love we have for him.

If you would like to make a donation in the memory of Tom, please consider donating to the Renaissance at Dana Point. These "angels on earth" took unparalleled care of Dad (and currently Mom). Their home is filled with love, laughter, song, and compassion. Dad was treated, respected, and loved as if he was their own father and papou. We are so grateful.

Renaissance at Dana Point

24622 Jeremiah Drive

Dana Point, CA, 92629

Arrangements under the direction of Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, Riverside, CA.