Gerassimos Pagoulatos

Gerassimos (Gerry) M. Pagoulatos, was born on September 9th, 1939 in Markopoulo, Kefalonia, just a few days after the onset of World War 2. He lived there with his father, Mihalis, mother Elvira and younger brother Vangelis, until the great earthquake of 1953, where afterwards his family relocated to a relatives house in the small village of Lakithra, where his brother still lives to this day. After finishing primary school Gerry enlisted in the Merchant Marine academy with dreams of seeing the world. On his station he traveled through most of Europe by sea and was able to sail as far east as Japan, and as far west as the Gulf of Mexico. While pursuing this career path Gerassimos earned the rank of Second Officer, as well as the admiration and respect from his crew.

After a successful career in the Merchant Marines, Gerry decided to move to the United States to pursue the American Dream and on March 24, 1973 he met his future wife Chrisoula (Chris) Stavrianopoulos at a Kefalonian dance in Manhattan. They fell in love and got married on August 26, 1973 at the Transfiguration of Christ in Corona, Queens. Shortly thereafter they moved to Clifton, N.J. where Gerassimos worked during the day and attended night classes, eventually earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was hired by the Department of Defense and was employed as a civilian contractor at their office in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. Throughout his employment he continued to pursue higher education eventually earning an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

On February 10, 1989 Chris and Gerry were blessed with the birth of their only son, Michael, which finally completed their family. They soon relocated to Millburn, N.J. where they lived happily, hosting friends and family frequently at their home and becoming involved with community. Gerry regularly volunteered his free time with the first responders and the Red Cross, while his wife was actively involved in the Philoptochos and other various philanthropies. Once they entered retirement age and Michael was graduating middle school they decided to relocate out of the Tri-State area and moved to Sarasota, Florida in August of 2003. They became partitioners of St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox church where they continued their philanthropic ways, donating their time and resources at any available opportunity.

Gerassimos is survived by his son Michael and his wife Bethany as well as his brother Vangelis

The Pagoulatos Family will receive guests on Friday June 14th, 2024 at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243. The viewing will begin at 10am followed by the funeral service at 11am. The Interment will be at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232. following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 507 Capital Ct. NW Washington DC 20002, Ronald McDonald House, 405 E. 73rd St., New York, NY 10021 or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, stjude.org.