Charles Liponis

Charles Liponis Andover Charles "Charlie" Liponis, 78, of Andover died Saturday morning, Oct. 20, 2007, from complications of Parkinson's. Charlie was best known as one of Andover's most prolific educators and for his sense of humor, generosity, kindheartedness and boundless commitment to family and friends. Born in Allston in 1929, Charlie was the oldest son of James and Madeline Liponis, both of whom had immigrated to the United States from Politsani, Epirus, Greece. He spent his youth and teen years in Portland, Maine, and attended Portland Junior College and Gorham State College. Charlie married Bessie Christie of Andover, his lifelong love, confidante, best friend, in 1953, and the couple settled on High Street. Three months later, he entered the U.S. Army as a corporal and safety officer, serving in Korea from 1953-1955, where he was decorated with three service medals. Charlie and Bess have three children, Dr. Kim Foehl, married to Dr. Jack Foehl of Newton, Dr. Mark Liponis, married to Dr. Siobhan McNally of Lenox and Kirk Liponis of Big Sky, Mont. They also have five grandchildren, Timothy, Matthew and Brenna Liponis of Lenox, and Demitri and Constantine Foehl of Newton. Charlie is also survived by his sister, Mary Liponis Bajor and her husband John Bajor of Derry, N.H.; a brother, Chris Liponis of Portsmouth, N.H.; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He joins two younger brothers in Heaven, Steven Liponis, who recently passed away in August of this year and Angelo Liponis, who died in 1994. Charlie was an entrepreneurial businessman who had a passion for education. In 1961, he left his job at IBM and founded the Andover Institute of Business, originally on Main Street, Andover (in the building where Bertucci's now resides). The institute grew to 11 schools including campuses in Boston, Brockton, Springfield, Lynn, Hartford, Nashua, N.H., Worcester and Portland, Maine. The schools taught students business skills from key punching to stenography and Charlie was a pioneer in computing, offering the very fine courses in computer training. He successfully took the company public on the NASDAQ exchange in 1970. Charlie also founded Value Club of America, the Andover Tractor Trailer School in Methuen and most recently, Allied Career and Driving Schools. The Andover Tractor Trailer School taught students to drive 18-wheelers and helped place them in jobs after graduation. The school also taught diesel mechanics and was one of the first schools to offer home study and distance learning. Over more than 20 years, the school has trained thousands of students, helping them to successfully enter the work force. Charlie had a tremendous love of life and he brought his keen sense of humor and positive spirit to everyone around him and all of his endeavors. He loved traveling and exploring new places and made many trips throughout the United States and abroad. His favorite places included Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Foxwoods, where one could find him happily raising and bluffing at the poker tables until the very wee hours. Charlie was an active member and benefactor of the Greek Orthodox Church and was instrumental in the construction of the Sts. Constantine and Helen Church at 71 Chandler Road, Andover. He was named Godfather of the church and served as president and chairman of the church for three successive terms in the 1980s. In January 1986, he was presented with the Medallion of St. Andrew, the highest distinction conferred upon a layman in the historic Diocese of Boston. In October 1986, he was awarded the Diocesan Medal of St. Paul in recognition of outstanding services and commitment to the church in the western hemisphere. In 2001, he was awarded the Diocesan Award for outstanding service to the church. Charlie's loss will be deeply felt by all of those who knew him and especially by his family who love him dearly. His memory will be eternal and the fruits of his labor will continue to flourish for many decades to come. Calling hours from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Burke-Maggliozzi Funeral Home,, 390 North Main St., Andover. Funeral services will be held at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 71 Chandler Road, Andover, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m. with a commitment service at Spring Grove Cemetery in Andover. Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's name to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church community center.