Panteleon Tsakiris

A man with swagger, who would never leave home without being meticulously dressed and stylishly groomed…usually soft spoken …with a sheepish smile that you could not miss in a crowded room- Panteleon, Peter, Pete, Pantelis-were all names which matched his unique, diverse, and unforgettable personality...but, probably, and most importantly, were the titles “Ba” and “Papou”.  Panteleon Tsakiris, 81, of Newington, Ct., passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2023, at the Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General.

Peter was born and grew up in Gennadi, Rhodes, Greece.  There he developed a love for Nature, the outdoors and wildlife. Growing up, his childhood passion was mastering the use of a slingshot which later translated to small game hunting. This endeavor, of course, requires a keen eye, patience , and zeal for perfection- all qualities that so fluidly transferred to his stellar career as a master barber.  Diligently, and loyally, he has served three generations of statewide clients, many of whom became close friends.  He was a consummate professional, continuing his art, at his landmark Hartford South End barbershop to this very day.

He is survived by his loving wife and life long partner, Elaine, son John and fiancé Toniann, daughter Kara, and beloved granddaughter Kaleigh. He maintained a very close relationship with his three surviving sisters, Despina Milios (widow of John Milios), Demetra Karabetsos (widow of Sam Karabetsos), and Anastasia and Phillip Vrakas.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Savvas Tsakiris (survived by wife Stella Tsakiris) and Antonio Tsakiris (survived by wife Marianthi Tsakiris), beloved parents Ioannis and Paraskevi (Antonaras) Tsakiris, and loving father and mother in law, George and Kallie Bonatsakis, and brother in law, Michael Bonatsakis.  He is remembered and honored by countless cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, dear friends, and fellow barbers, specifically, Hector and Leo, who were an Important essence in the creation of Peter’s Men’s Hairstyling- a career spanning sixty years!

Peter was a man so abundantly proud of his children, John and Kara, and his precious grandchild, Kaleigh.  He reveled in all their accomplishments and their respected, good character.  He tirelessly loved chronicling the precious moments in their lives with countless photos which adorned both his shop and family homes. He was present for all their important occasions, but most importantly, he was just always THERE!!  His last twenty years were filled with the pure joy of “his Kaleigh”.  They were two peas in a pod- the toddler and Papou throwing popcorn to the wildlife at the ferry in Rocky Hill…Sharing a fortune cookie message which always, miraculously, read “Papou loves Kaleigh” and, just basically, always whispering their secret slogan, “You and Me Kid”!!!

Our Family thanks everyone for the outpouring of heartfelt messages and prayers in honor of our beloved Father, Grandfather, Husband and Friend.  May his memory be eternal.

Funeral services for Peter will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11 a.m, at St George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 433 Fairfield Ave., Hartford.  Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church. To share a memory of Peter, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.