Evangelos Papademetriou (“Van”) of Land O’Lakes, Florida, passed away on April 8th, 2024. He is survived by his wife Loukia, children John (Tanya), Sophia (Mark) Shields and Eirinni (John) Copulos, as well as by his grandson Johnny. He is also survived by his brother Fr. George Papademetriou. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Fr. Constantine & Presvytera Ourania Papademetriou, and siblings Fr. Spyridon, Olga Marudas, John and Alkiviades.
Van was born in Sila Evritania, Greece, from where he emigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13. While always retaining a love for his homeland, the United States became his home, his country. His patriotism led him to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed in England, from where he visited Greece while on leave. There he met his future wife, Loukia. The two married in Greece and returned to the U.S., settling down in New York, where they raised their family. Van and Loukia later retired to Florida.
Van was a hard-working, honest and loyal man who loved his family. He was generous of spirit, always willing to help friend and acquaintance alike. Though unassuming, he impacted many who knew him and was a great role model. He loved his family & friends, his country, history, dancing (oh boy did he love dancing!) and learning about new things & places.
He will be missed by his family, both immediate and extended. He was a beloved Uncle Van / Thio Vaggeli to a number of nieces and nephews. He was a great husband, father and grandfather to his “buddy” Johnny, who found him inspiring and who considered himself lucky to have had “the best Papou he could ever have.” ❤
Roy V. Miller
April 11, 2024, 7:37 pm
So sorry to hear. Good friend since 1957 in England.
Linda Galieh
April 18, 2024, 7:47 pm
We are so sorry for your precious loss. Van had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. May his soul rest in peace. Our deepest sympathies are with the family in this time of grief.
Linda and Eddie
Stavroula Katsifas
April 18, 2024, 9:50 pm
Nouno mou,
May your memory be forever eternal. Thank you for being a second father to us and for being the greatest support and Godfather. Your love for us was unmatched and I know you are with my dad and are watching over us. We miss you incredibly and love you so much.
Thank you for always being there. Our hearts ache and we will honor your memory. Until we meet again. Καλό παραδίδω ❤️
John copulos
April 19, 2024, 3:14 am
Pop, you looked amazing in your uniform!! The hat was great. Watching GT salute you sent shivers up and down my spine. We will miss you.