Dorothea Angela Gianopulos

Dorothea (Andros) Gianopulos was born in Fresno, CA on March 20, 1929. She was the daughter of Fay (Fotini) and Dan (Dionisios) Andros – once Andreopoulos. She grew up in Fresno, CA attending school from Kindergarten to Fresno State College. At an early age of 8 years, she began taking piano lessons, only after doing ballet for a few years. In the years that followed, Dorothea studied piano with teachers of some note. By the time she faced college, she was a proficient pianist. She began teaching piano, giving lessons to youngsters in the Fresno/Madera area. From time to time, she was invited to perform, usually for some benefit event. Often, these events centered at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Fresno. One memorable event was a fund-raising concert performed by Dorothea on behalf of the new Fresno Church.

Dorothea married George N. Gianopulos in 1957. They met as students at the Fresno State College, went on their separate ways, and eventually came together in Pasadena, Ca. George was employed at the Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Initially employed to work on rocket propelled guided missiles for the U.S. Military, he moved into the U.S. Space program. Dorothea adapted well in Southern California. She quickly was invited to join a long-time organization, the Pasadena Tuesday Musicale. Here, a collection of musicians - vocal, strings, brass – and keyboard - gathered monthly, performing for the assembled members. Each month, one could find different musicians performing, sometime string quartet, maybe a soprano accompanied by piano, piano solo or duo, and more. There followed a membership in the prestigious Pasadena Fine Arts Club. This was a long-time collection of performers in the arts. One could find artists, musicians, authors, play writes, theater performers, and more. There, from time to time, Dorothea performed. In time she served as president of this organization.

Dorothea’s first music interest was in teaching piano, having gotten a taste of this earlier. Little-by-little, young people began showing up at her door. In time, she served a class of some 20 to 25 students. Not all were youngsters; some were adults wishing to return to earlier experiences at the keyboard. This went on for some near 40 years. Wedged in her schedule, Dorothea managed to continue study of the piano. Well known locally and nationally known pianists, sat with Dorothea for the purpose of continuing her capability. Found among them are names such as Homer Simmons, Leah Effenbach and Shirley Howard. Over time she also attended numerous master classes in and around the Southern California area. She maintained to this day membership in the California Music Teachers Association (MTA). Teaching today was still done, more as a hobby, mostly with interested adults. Her skill, her capability was heard in her Fresno neighborhood thru the rest of her life.

Upon the retirement of her husband, the family moved to Fresno. Dorothea served as wife and mother throughout this active career. She is the mother of two sons, Thomas (Kathy) and Daniel (Rochelle), four grandchildren, Phillip, Theresa, Michelle and Daniel.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church, 2219 N Orchard St, Fresno, CA 93703. Burial to follow at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.