Kostantinos "Gus" Salonika

It is with sadness that the family of Kostantinos "Gus" Salonika announce his passing on March 24th, 2023, at the age of 89. For six years, Gus bravely battled Parkinson's disease, during which time he demonstrated patience, courage and faith, even as the disease intensified. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and his family was always his primary focus. He was deeply devoted to his wife of 57 years, Martha Salonika, his daughter Christina Flaherty, son-in law Brian Flaherty, and grandson Timothy Flaherty.

Gus was born in Cleveland Ohio, on June 13,1933 to Vassiliki and Christos Salonika. He was raised in Hempstead, Long Island and graduated from Syracuse University in 1955 and was a member of the Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. Upon graduation, he was commissioned to the Air Force and became a 2nd Lieutenant, serving for four years in France. Gus maintained strong friendships with his University, Fraternity and Air Force friends, attending reunions throughout his lifetime.

Gus was a people person, enjoyed traveling the world and had a number of different professional experiences. He began his career in 1960 in New York City, at West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company as an Industrial Chemical Salesman. In 1965, he joined an emerging Wall Street firm Carter, Berlind & Weill as a Financial Consultant. This company was the beginning of Shearson Lehman, Smith Barney and later Citigroup. After leading international businesses, first with Seeburg in the US and then a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, Gus rejoined Shearson Lehman in 1981. He had a rewarding career as a financial consultant for over 20 years and retired from Citibank in 2003.

As a first-generation Greek American, Gus spoke fluent Greek and was proud of his heritage and Greek Orthodox religion. Gus was elegant, distinguished and well read. He always was able to lead conversation and make everyone comfortable with his questions and interest in them. He was a life-long New Yorker and enjoyed the pace, energy and beauty of the city. During his retirement he continued to work with Martha in the Real Estate business and enjoyed spending time watching his grandson grow up. He will be greatly missed by his family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research where an "In Tribute" page has been set up in Gus' name www.tribute.michaeljfox.org. A memorial service and reception are scheduled starting at 10:00am on May 13, 2023 at The Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, 337 East 74th Street, New York, NY 10021.