Thomas N. Tsiftilis

Thomas N. Tsiftilis

Born: August 15, 1933; in Anavriti, Greece

Died: January 23, 2021; in Winfield, IL

Thomas N. Tsiftilis, 87, of DeKalb, Illinois, died Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

Thomas was born August 15, 1933, in the remote mountain village of Anavriti, in western Greece.

The eldest of seven children, the responsibility fell on him to help his parents provide for the family. At age 14, he was sent to Athens to work. At 18 he set out across the Atlantic on an 11 day voyage bound for the Port of New York. Thomas opened the door for his immediate and extended family members to immigrate and seek opportunities for a better life in the United States.

Thomas was a founding member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of DeKalb, Illinois. He was a longtime member of the Nafpaktiaki Fraternity of Chicago, serving one term as treasurer. He was also a former member of the Order of American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).

Predeceased by his parents, Nicholaos and Politimi Tsiftilis; a brother, Christos Tsiftilis; a sister, Panagiota Pappas; sister-in-law, Sophia Tsiftilis; brothers-in-law, Spiro Loukopoulos and Frank Pappas; nephew, Losta Pappas.

Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Irene (Kostaras); devoted children, Paula (Richard), Nick (Helen); Cherished grandchildren, Harrison, Katherine, Tommy and Katrina. his siblings, Pete Tsiftilis, Akrivi (Nicholas) Iatrives, Tina Loukopoulos and George (Coula) Tsifitilis; many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2021, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. 2nd St, DeKalb, with Fr. Dustin Lyon officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing will be required at both Visitation and Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church of DeKalb, Illinois and/or Agia Paraskevi of Anavriti, Greece in memory of Thomas N. Tsiftilis , in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.