Gregory Nickolas Karaptis

Gregory Nickolas Karaptis passed away on May 3, 2023. He was born on November 25, 1928 in Raches (Raxes), Ikaria, Greece to Nickolas and Elpida Karaptis. He was the oldest of his three siblings, Chrisoula (Basilis +) Zoutis, Mihali "Mike" + (Lambrini) Karaptis, and Irene (Sotiris +) Kochila.
He graduated high school from Agios Kirykos, and in the 1940s during World War II, he left with his family to live in Africa for four or five years. There he learned Swahili, a language found primarily in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, along the East African coast. He learned English in Africa too. He later became fluent in Spanish. He told friends that he could speak seven languages. After the war, he came back to Ikaria.
He joined the Greek Navy for four years and traveled to many places. One of his stops included the United States in 1954. He wanted to stay, and married his first wife Olga Karaptis on November 17, 1957, with Steven Tripodes being his koumbaros (best man).
Gregory bought his home in San Gabriel in 1969. He was very active in the Greek American fraternal organizations AHEPA and Pan-Icarian Brotherhood. He was District Governor of AHEPA District 20 from 1966-1967. He was Chapter President of the Rose Bowl Chapter #373 for four terms, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1995. Gregory was initiated in the Order of AHEPA on October 2, 1956.
Gregory was Supreme Governor of District 5 of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood in 1977, and he was past Chapter President of the Oinoe Chapter #14 of the Pan-Icarian Brotherhood for 1970-1971.
He worked in southern California restaurants, first at Paris Restaurant in Monterey Park, then to his own Los Angeles restaurant, Quality Café, which he sold in the mid-1980s. After that, he went back to work for the Astro family restaurants in Glendale and Sandy's in Alhambra.
His first wife Olga, died on June 30, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.
On December 11, 2012, he married Toula Economou.
Gregory was known for his ever present kindness. He was acting chaplain at many AHEPA events and Pan-Icarian meetings, opening sessions in prayer. He was eloquent, and wrote and spoke many eulogies and commemorative speeches for those in the Greek community. He was a sensitive man who kept copies of his eulogies.
Gregory was a member of the Los Angeles chapter of Shriners, Chapter Al Malaikah. They are known for supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children throughout the United States, including Pasadena, California.
He is survived by his wife Toula, sisters Chrisoula and Irene, and sister-in-law Lambrini. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He baptized eleven children, including James Achedafty.
The funeral service will be at 9am on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Homes, 51 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California 91006. Following the funeral, interment will take place at San Gabriel Cemetery at 601 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel, CA 91775 at 12pm. The Makaria (mercy meal) will follow at the Karaptis home.
Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Mary Harmon, owner. Toll free (855) 628-0447.
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