Vassilios E. Ringas

1941 - 2023

Vassilios Evangelos Ringas, 81, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 26, 2023, in the comfort of his own home, with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Georgianna Ringas.

Vassilios (Bill) was born on June 3rd, 1941 in Athens, Greece. He served in both the Greek Navy and Merchant Marines however his heart was always set on achieving the American Dream. His first years in the United States were spent in New Jersey, where he met and married his wife Georgianna and together they owned and operated a local gas station. In pursuit of a better life for his family, Vassilios joined the U.S. Army and settled in Newport News, VA. His military service included an overseas tour of duty and three deployments where he served as Vessel Master, Harbor Master, and Commander. Vassilios received numerous accolades during his military career, including the Bronze Star Medal for his combat service during the Persian Gulf War. He retired in 1994 as a Chief Warrant Officer Three, with over 20 years of service.

The pride and joy of Vassilios' life was his family, which he considered his greatest achievement. He could always be found on the sidelines, cheering on his children or grandchildren, in whatever sport or activity they were involved with. He was so proud to see his family carrying on his Greek heritage, whether it was Greek dancing, GOYA or other involvement in the Greek community.

Vassilios was known to his family and community as an inquisitive, self-taught man who firmly believed in the philosophy of trying to "fix" things before "replacing" them. He instilled the importance of independence in all his children. To Vassilios, learning something new was considered an "opportunity". He taught himself many things throughout his lifetime; how to make repairs on cars, build complicated model ships, garden, cook and more. He could pretty much disassemble and rebuild just about anything he put his hands on. In his free time, he enjoyed playing Backgammon and cards, watching the History Channel, Animal Planet, soccer, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was an active member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA. Vassilios was also a proud member of the local DAV where he continued his friendship with so many of the men that he served with in the Army.

Left behind to honor and cherish his memory are his children and grandchildren: Dora Ringas; Karen (Randy) Pingley, Brandon (Elizabeth) and Samantha; Anna (Cono) Capobianco, Alexis, Cono, and Aidan; Evangelos (Elizabeth) Ringas, Calista, Melina, and Vassilios; Hazel (Olen) Bruce, Isabella, Carmella, and Aurelio; and Helen Micha, Christopher and Mary. He also leaves behind his second wife and companion for the later years of his life, Diem Maria, and her family.

A Trisagion prayer service will take place on Thursday, March 30th at 6pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Denbigh (12893 Jefferson Ave). The family will receive friends there from 5pm-7pm.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 31 at 11:30am at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (60 Traverse Road). Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park immediately after the service. A reception (Makaria) will follow at the Hellenic Center on church grounds.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vassilios's honor can be made to AHEPA (memo field, Scholarship Fund - Ringas), 62 Traverse Rd., Newport News, VA 23606.