Enzo Sgarbi

Our beloved Enzo, wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on January 11, 2018, twelve days shy of his 90th birthday. He was born on January 23, 1928 in Rome, Italy and immigrated to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as a child. Raised in Addis, he met and married the love of his life, Elena Ortenzatos 59 years ago. As a young family they immigrated to the United States in 1961 where they continued to raise their son, Enrico and added to their family with daughter Sophia and second son Evan. Dad came to this country speaking little English. He would tell us later that he learned a lot of his English from watching television commercials. He owned a successful auto repair establishment for decades. An avid BMW/Mercedes enthusiast, one could simply describe a car’s behavior or the sounds it was making and Dad would easily diagnose the problem. His customers were his friends and he treated everyone with the same dignity and respect. After retirement, he devoted his life to being the best papou (grandfather) anyone could have. He played games with his grandkids, drove carpool, gave great advice, and didn’t hesitate to tell his children that they should be more lenient with his grandchildren.

Our father was a simple and honorable man. He did not judge or criticize anyone. He accepted his friends as they were. We were those lucky kids who spent Saturday mornings watching cartoons together. We have memories of piling onto our parents’ bed on weekend mornings sharing conversation, laughter, and donuts. Dad and mom gave us an excellent example of a strong marriage.

Dad is survived by his wife Elena, son Enrico and his wife Sophia, daughter Sophia and her husband Billy Psillas, son Evan and his wife Victoria, brother Tony and his children Stephen and Sarah. Dad had eight grandchildren. He had a strong relationship with and loved eachl of them; Daniela, Alexander, Harley, Costa, Tyler, Katina, Giancarlo and Enrico. He was also blessed with two great grandsons, Lucas and Harrison.

Dad is honored to have as pallbearers the following gentlemen he loved dearly: Grandson Costa Economides, nephews Stephen Sgarbi and Bill Wolfmeyer, dear friends Christos Angelides, Carlo DiNunzio and Zachary Mucher, Giancarlo and Enrico Sgarbi. Honorably serving their papou in absentia are Alexander Sgarbi and Harley Sgarbi. May his memory be eternal

Trisagion will be held on Monday, January 15 at 7:00 pm Forest Park Westheimer, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 16 at 10:00am at St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077. In lieu of flowers, for who desires to do so, please make a donation to the National Brain Tumor Society.