Konstantinos A. Tantaros

Konstantinos A. Tantaros
Konstantinos A. Harry Tantaros, restauranteur, entrepreneur, beloved father, grandfather and husband, died on December 5, 2009 in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest surrounded by his family. His story of success, hard work and commitment symbolized the true promise and opportunity of America. He was 65. In 1961 at the age of 15, Tantaros bravely left his parents Andreas and Theodora (Soulioti) Tantaros of Paleros, Greece to pursue his dream of building a better life. His journey began when he accepted an opportunity to serve as a merchant marine, and traveled the world transporting oil to locations across the globe. After years at sea, Tantaros determined, with characteristic decisiveness, that he would find his destiny in America and in keeping with his natural optimism he arrived in the United States with just $30 in his pocket. Always eager to embrace a challenge, he began by working for his extended family in their restaurants in southern New Jersey.This was a truly fortuitous opportunity because it introduced him to his wife, Barbara A. (Masi) Tantaros. They married soon after meeting and, soul mates in life and in business, they worked as a team to rear a family of four and establish a number of Lehigh Valley businesses. Their establishments and properties included, most notably, the Pied Piper in Trexlertown, a restaurant that served as the center of its community during its years of operation. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on February 10th. Tantaros will be remembered for his unconditional loyalty, passion for life, kind heart, unmatched work ethic, business acumen and deep dedication to his family. Never one to run from adversity, he overcame many challenges to realize great achievements and loved this country with a passion seldom seen in those who were born here. You could frequently hear him say What a country, when reminded of his many blessings. Tantaros was a founding Director of East Penn Bank, and embraced the idea that it should be a community institution.He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Bethlehem, and a member of the Order of Ahepa Lehigh Chapter #60 in Allentown. Survivors:Wife Barbara; Sons Dean A. Tantaros and his wife Smaragda of Center Valley and Daniel K. Tantaros of Coplay; Daughters Thea M. Menzies and her husband Gary D. of Emmaus and Andrea K. Tantaros of Manhattan; Two Grandsons Andreas and Vasilis Tantaros; Brother Theodore Tantaros of Paleros, Greece; Sisters Paraskevie of Ballarat, Australia; Phoney, Angela and Lula of Lefkas, Greece; and Maria of Paleros, Greece. Predeceased by a sister Katerina of Paleros, Greece. Services: Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1607 West Union Blvd Bethlehem. Viewing Wednesday 5 to 8 p.m. in the Cathedral followed by a Trisagion at 8 p.m., and on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Cathedral. Burial in Nisky Hill Cemetery, in Bethlehem. Funeral arrangements are by the John F. Herron Funeral Home 458 Center At Market Street Bethlehem. Contributions: LifePath, c/o the Funeral Home 18018