Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Elias Tripodes Obituary
TRIPODES (UNCLE LOUIE)
Elias Nicholas Tripodes (Uncle Louie), age 86, of Wilmington, passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Elias was born on February 4, 1926 on the island of Ikaria, Greece and was the son of the late Nick and Sophia Tripodes. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Stefano Tripodes.
He is survived by his sister Despina Tripodes Saffo and husband (Doky) of Wilmington, NC and brother Frank Tripodes and wife (Joanne) of Pittsburgh, PA; seven nieces and nephews, Bill Saffo, Nick Saffo, Tony Saffo, Argie Franck, Sophia Brewer, Sophia Lugares, and Nick Tripodes; and seventeen great nieces and nephews.
Elias made Wilmington his home in 1946 after arriving from Ikaria Greece where he served in the Greek Army during World War II. His father owned and operated the Boston Café where Elias worked for several years. In 1957 he moved to Pittsburgh, PA where he worked at the William Penn Hotel and then returned to Wilmington in 1967. He retired from Singer Corporation in 1988. After retirement Elias enjoyed his passion for painting and spending time with his nieces and nephews.
Elias was a devoted member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church where he served as a board member for several years. He was also a member of the Pan Icarian Brotherhood of America and Ahepa.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, officiated by Father Matthew Carter. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flower, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com
A Market St Chapel Service
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elias Tripodes
Elaine Steele
July 5, 2012
Theo Louie will never be forgotten because of his charismatic and good- natured personality.He taught us so many things about politics,religion, art, etiquette,etc, etc. From now on,coffee hours will be so quiet without him(especially during political debates)!!!So glad that we have several of his paintings to remind us of his creativity and artistic talents!!And so glad that we have so many memories to remind us of the kind, caring and good soul that he was!!!Thank you for everything Theo Louie!You will be sorely missed!!With love, Elaine
Steve Clemmons
July 2, 2012
I met Louie in 1948 while working for the Wilmington Evening News. I often had lunch or would stop by just to talk with Louie over a hot cup of coffee at the Boston Cafe and we became great friends. Louie, being new to America, would pick my brain to learn moAe about our ways and customs.
I lost track of Louie when I left the area in 1955 and I've often wondered what happened to my good friend.
Now Louie is with God, farewell, my good and faithful friend.
Steve Clemmons
Diana Kratsa
July 2, 2012
Our Deepest Sympathy, Uncle Louie was A Special Person. You All are in our Prayers. Diana & Perry Kratsa
Kassie Jordan
July 1, 2012
My first couple of meetings with Papa Louie, he was sick and not doing well. He got better and turned out being my special resident. I enjoyed spending all the time with him i did. Sometimes he would only let me take care of him. I missed him when he had to move and now that he is gone i will miss him even more. To the Saffo family thank you for allowing me to spend that time with him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.i will always remember you Papa Louie. I love you, may you rest in peace..
Wayne Steele
July 1, 2012
Theo Louie never met a stranger and was so thoughtful and giving. I will never forget his laughter and his passion. I am so glad he was a part of my life.
Carol King
July 1, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Saffo family. I had the pleasure to meet and talk with Uncle Louie. May God Bless you all at this time of sorrow. Carol King
Koula Savvakis
July 1, 2012
Louie was a kind, generous soul who will be missed.
May his memory be eternal!
David Snow
July 1, 2012
I am very fortunate to have known Louie and worked with him on the church board....he was a great man and always had something nice to say. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Gregory Steele
July 1, 2012
Theo Louie, you will be missed by so many who adored your stories, your wisdom, your passion, and your outpouring of love. I am so thankful for you and will forever miss our political disagreements which always ended with laughter. You were one of a kind and you touched so many lives which will always be better for having known you.
Uncle Louie with Ayden and Michael. Two of his great nephews.
Jamie Saffo
July 1, 2012
Uncle Louie, I can not thank you enough for all of your wisdom and advice that you shared with me over the years! You will be greatly missed by all who knew you!
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Elias Tripodes's name
Memorial Events
for Elias Tripodes
How to support Elias's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Elias Tripodes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
