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Vassilios Giavis Obituary
Well Known Local Artist
LOWELL - Mr. Vassilios Giavis, 89 passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 12th at the Bridges by Epoch with his family by his side.
Bill was born on December 21, 1929 in Lowell, Massachusetts a son of the late Demetrios and Nicolitsa (Karras) Giavis. He was the loving husband of fifty three years to his late wife Alyce (Sigalos) Giavis whom he lost on May 7, 2008.
A lifelong resident of Lowell, Bill was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1947. He went on to attend and graduate from Mass College of Art.
After graduation he was drafted in the Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he owned and operated Giavis Market in Lowell for over thirty years. In 1984, Bill became a resident artist at the Brush Gallery in Lowell for thirty two years retiring on October 3, 2016.
Bill's art was well known throughout Lowell, he received the title of Copley Master and the Copley award from the Copley Society of Boston which is the highest honor for an artist.
He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell.
Bill was predeceased by his siblings, Harry, Theodore and Sofia Giavis.
He is survived by his five children, Dimitri Giavis, Marc Giavis, Nicolas Giavis, Christopher Giavis and his wife Maha and his daughter, Alexandra Roark and her husband John, his sister, Catherine Gatzimos; his two sisters-in-law, Eileen Crowell, Christine Faneros and her husband Arthur; seven grandchildren, Vassilios, Alexander, Angelika, Alya Giavis, John and Nicollette and Alyson Roark; and many nieces and nephews.
GIAVIS - Relatives and friends will be received at the M.R.LAURIN FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Friday, February 15th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. His funeral will take place on Saturday at 9:00 am at the Funeral Home to be followed by a service at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell at 10:00am. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery, Lowell. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Holy Trinity Church, 62 Lewis St., Lowell, MA. 01854. Funeral arrangements under the direction of directors, Louis M. Fazio III, Scott Laurin and M. Richard Laurin. For condolences or directions, please go to www.laurinfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vassilios Giavis
Sponsored by lowellsun.com.
BettyAnn
March 1, 2024
Remembering accomplished artist Mr. Giavis,
this 5th anniversary year.....
Darlene Thibodeau
October 19, 2019
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a great artist and I will always treasure the one painting I own.
May 10, 2019
Deepest sympathies on your loss. Bill was a dear friend of my mom's (Joyce Pearce) and I remember several occasions spending time with the family. I have many works hanging in my house and am proud to tell each story when asked. Best to you and your family.
G.Pearce
Janet Leggat
February 28, 2019
I will miss his smile and kind words. I had many conversations with Bill and always left with a smile on my face. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
LZ Nunn
February 27, 2019
Dear Giavis Family, Bill was such a bright spirit in Lowell who will be deeply missed. He always had a kind, caring word and often a witty memory to share about his work, in our many discussions about Lowell's streets and arts community. His laughter was infectious and he made Lowell a better place. Best wishes and loving thoughts to you all, LZ Nunn & Paul Schor
February 16, 2019
To the Giavis family, tremendously saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a funny story teller, a lovely man, and mentor to me during my time at The Brush. I have an original watercolor by Bill hanging in my home. A little part of him will always be home with me.Christine Xavier Callaghan
CHARLENE SARRIS
February 15, 2019
to the Giavis family, So sorry for your loss. I knew Bill my whole life. He was a wonderful man. He will be missed. CHARLENE SARRIS
Harriet St. Onge
February 15, 2019
Dear family: Our deepest sympathy and condolences sent to all of you. He was a dear, wonderful man that we had the privilege of knowing for so many years. May his memory be eternal. From Clara, James, John and Tina Vlahos.
mary panos
February 14, 2019
Dimitri,
My condolences to you and your entire family
in the loss of your Dad. I hold fond memories
of good times with your mother and father.
I am proud to have one of his paintings
in my apartment. A great talent, wonderful story
teller. May His Memory Be Eternal.
Mary C. Panos - Nashua, NH
mary panos
February 14, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
February 14, 2019
Thank you for your service Rest in peace
Andrea Reilly
February 14, 2019
So very sorry for your loss he was an amazing artist. God bless.
N C
February 14, 2019
Sincere condolences for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one and the words of Isaiah 57:15 provide you with much comfort.
Mehmed Ali
February 14, 2019
It was such a privilege to have had a chance to enjoy Bill's friendship over the years. I so enjoyed listening to his stories of the Greek Acre, taking trips together around the region in search of old diners, and just hanging out at the Brush as he continued to create his colorful works and share them with all. He embodies that Lowell spirit that moved the city to become a world class capital of culture and he will be greatly missed.
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