Minas Vassos

Minas Vassos 1947-2008 Wilmington N.C.- Minas Mickey Vassos, 60, of Bent Tree Court, Wilmington, NC, Formerly of the Berkshires, died Thursday at home.Minas was born in Oak Park, Ill. on Mother's Day, May 11, 1947 son of the late Nicholas and Despina Diane Maxouris Vassos. He grew up in Champaign - Urbana, Ill. and attended schools there. He studied sociology at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and worked for several years as a concert organizer for Beaver Productions in New Orleans during the 1970s. After moving in 1980 to Stockbridge, Mass. he became an accomplished stone mason and incorporated Japanese designs for ponds, natural pools, stone benches and walls. One of his favorite creations were stone bird baths which he carved with diamond drills. Mr. Vassos moved to Wilmington in 1990 and established himself as an independent stone artist with his StoneWorks business. Many of his works grace yards and gardens throughout the Wilmington area. Recently he was employed as a supervisor for Saffo Contractors. He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and often served in the altar. The loves of his life were his two children, Jesse and Isabella. He was a kind human being who loved to help others and gave generously of his time and talents to worthy projects. Mr. Vassos also leaves his sister Irene Vassos, of West Stockbridge, Mass., brother Jason Vassos of Sterling Ill, nephew Zee Vassos of Easthampton, Mass., his godmother Jane Maxouris of Chicago, Ill., and his cousin Nicholas Faherty of Wilmington, with whom he loved to cook Greek foods on "Avgolemono Sundays". He had many aunts, cousins and friends, in particular Cathy Hoffmeyer of Beaufort, S.C. and his Carbondale compatriots. He also leaves his beloved dog Kate. Mr. Vassos loved to read and garden and attend his children's soccer games. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his compassion. FUNERAL NOTICE: His family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. with a memorial service at 7:00 p.m .Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 South College Road, Wilmington with Fr. John Stavropoulos officiating. Interment will be private. Contributions may be made in Mr. Vassos' memory to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church or the Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201. May his memory be eternal. ANDREWS MARKET STREET CHAPEL, Wilmington, N.C..]]>