Konstantine Zafiris

Konstantine Zafiris, known to family and friends as Kostas and affectionately called “Bobby” by his children, was born May 21, 1950, in Larissa, Greece. He passed away peacefully at his home in Arlington, Virginia, on November 16, 2025, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his son Nicholas Zafiris (Carolyn Adelmann); daughters Elisabeth Zafiris (Denny Baron), Alice Zafiris (Phil Panzo), and Meg Zafiris; his former wife, Mary Kolb Zafiris; siblings Cleopatra Gkaravella, Paraskevi Chelidoni, Marika Liapi, and Giannis Zafiris; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nikolaos Kazanas and Elisavet Papadontas, and siblings Iraklis Zafiris, Dimitris Zafiris, and Stamatoula Tsekoura.

Born one of eight children, Kostas served in the Greek military before immigrating to the United States in 1977 to build a life and family of his own. He became a U.S. citizen shortly thereafter, a milestone he carried with quiet pride. He built a longtime career as a production engineer in the automotive industry, forming lasting friendships, sharing his passion, and learning English along the way.

Kostas’ greatest pride was always his family, but the home he and Mary created on 19 acres held a special place in his heart. Born from their shared dream and shaped by both of their hands in different ways, it became a place filled with spirit, dedication, and the echoes of the life they built together. More than a house, it became a testament to his drive, perseverance, and vision for the life they created.

He shared his Greek heritage through stories, laughter, and food. He was unmatched in the kitchen; from horiatiki salad, avgolemono, and spanakopita, to baklava and his crab cakes and lentil soup. Kostas carried a steady, warm presence, offering kindness, humor, and generosity to all who knew him. Friends and family recall his exuberant “My friend!” greetings and bright “Bravo!” exclamations, making each encounter feel celebrated.

In later years, frontotemporal dementia gradually took parts of his world, but never the essence of who he was or his deep connections with family. Surrounded by family, he was cared for tenderly until his passing.

A brief graveside ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, Arlington, VA. A Celebration of Life will follow at Taverna Cretekou, Alexandria, VA. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP to assist with planning.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD): https://www.theaftd.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/

“Να τον θυμ μαστε π ντα” — May we always remember him.