Marios Christou Stephanides

Tampa - STEPHANIDES, Marios Christou

79, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He was born on April 26, 1945, in Polis Chrysochous, District of Paphos, Cyprus, first as a British subject and then as a Greek-Cypriot to Christos and Julia Kyriacou Stephanides with the help of a midwife. He came from humble beginnings to America as an 18-year-old college student. Dr. Marios Stephanides received his Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. at Wayne State University in Detroit. He taught Sociology at Wayne State University, Michigan Tech University, Middle Tennessee University, the University of Louisville, Spalding University, the University of Tampa, St. Petersburg College, and Hillsborough Community College. He was involved in The Greek Studies Programs at USF in Tampa and St. Petersburg College in Tarpon Springs, in conjunction with the AFGLC, The American Foundation for Greek Language and Culture. He has published several articles about the Greeks in Detroit, St. Louis and Louisville. The History of the Greeks in Kentucky, 1900-1950, Volume I, The Early Pioneers of Louisville and The History of the Greeks in Kentucky, 1950-2000+, Volume II, First, Second and Third Generations, were published by Mellen Press. The purpose of his work was to preserve the names, stories, and history of those who made the fabric of Kentucky culture. He was instrumental in bringing 65+ Greek Cypriot students to America to be educated. Additionally, he was active in the AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) and received a pin for 50 years of membership by his brothers of Lycurgus Chapter #12. He was a member of the Pan Cyprian Association of Florida. Marios was also a devout member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Louisville, KY for 30 years, taught Greek School, Sunday School, and served on the Parish Council for many years. In Tampa, Marios was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church for 19 years. He was sometimes referred to as a "mayor" because he walked around the neighborhood greeting people, as an "ambassador" because he loved people of all cultures, and was a friend to all, but most of all, he was "The Professor", visiting the public library daily. He will most of all be remembered as a loving husband to his wife, Ourania Zoumberos Stephanides, for almost 50 years, a loving father to his three children Christina Stephanides, Christos (Kelsey Stein) Stephanides, Mihalis Stephanides, and papou to Mario Cattaneo. He is survived also by his two brothers, Nick (Mary) Stephanides and Ted (Kathy) Stephanides, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 11, from 11:30 am-12:30 pm, followed by the Funeral Service held at 12:30 pm, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 2418 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, FL with burial to follow at Trinity Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Trinity, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. John Greek Orthodox Church, 2418 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, FL 33609, or Ahepa Chapter #12 (Scholarship in memo line), 506 Lantern Circle, Temple Terrace, FL 33617. In the care of Blount and Curry Life Event Center 605 S MacDill Ave Tampa, FL 33609. Please visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12235185 to leave a condolance and memory for the family.