Frank Fotenos

Frank Fotenos September 30, 1919 - March 9, 2009 Passed away peacefully at home from complications of Parkinson's. The youngest of the five sons of Greek immigrants James and Agatha (Vriheas) Fotenos, Frank follows in death his brothers Max, Bobby, George, and Nick. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 67 years, Kaliope; children Jim and Christina; grandchildren Anthony Fotenos and Andrea and Mark Wieland; great-grandchildren Naomi and Noah Fotenos; sister-in-law Georgia Spanos; daughter-in-law Carol Fotenos; granddaughter-in-law Saori Fotenos; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. After graduating from Commerce High, Frank followed family tradition and joined Fotenos Brothers (James, Steve, and Peter) Meat Company. He spent his entire career (retiring at age 70) in the meat business, including with Skipper Meat Co. and concluding with Kali Distributing Co. Like many Greek immigrants, being his own boss ran in his genes. He was a born salesman, in the finest sense of the term, making life long friends among his many customers with the warmth of his personality and good cheer. He was known and beloved in restaurant circles, and long active in the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. Frank joined the Army Air Corps during WWII, trained as a bombardier, and was discharged as a second lieutenant at the war's end. Family, friends, and the Greek community meant much to Frank. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, an avid if at times frustrated golfer with many golfing buddies, a tireless supporter of Greek food festivals, golf events, and community activities, and an active supporter of colleagues running for elective office. Frank always had a positive attitude. "Atta boy" was one of his favorite exclamations. He greeted friends with genuine enthusiasm and good cheer. He was known as "Frankie" to many friends because he retained the youthfulness that diminutive implies. Frank and Kal honeymooned in 1941 at Lake Tahoe, thus beginning a life-long love affair with the lake. They fulfilled a long-held dream when they built a home at Rubicon Bay in 1980. They spent the next 26 years staying at their Tahoe house as often as they could. They were warm and generous hosts and developed many close friendships with their Tahoe neighbors. Special thanks to Frank's cousin, Perry Vriheas, for her support, meals, flowers, and sweets during Frank's illness and decline. The family also wishes to express its gratitude to Frank's caregivers, Elli, Rolando, Jorghe, and Tony, and to grandson Mark for his daily care of Papou. There are saints among us--they take the form of caregivers. Friends may visit Wed, March 11, from 4pm and are invited to attend the Trisagion Wed, at 7:30pm at Duggan' Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 12, at 10 a.m., Cathedral of the Annunciation, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco. Internment will follow at the Greek Orthodox Cemetery, Colma. Donations may be made in Frank's memory to the building fund of the Cathedral of the Annunciation or to Parkinson's research.