Stavros Giannakopoulos

With profound love and heartbreaking sorrow, the family of Stavros Giannakopoulos, 83, announces his peaceful passing at his home in Great Bridge on November 29, 2025. Through God's grace, he departed this life exactly as he lived it; quietly, gently, humbly, and with strong faith.

Stavros was born in the Ilias region of Western Peloponnesus, Greece, in the Alfios river valley near Ancient Olympia. The third of four children born to Spiros and Asimo Giannakopoulos, he learned early the village values that would define him forever-faith in God, hard work, gratitude, integrity, and love.

Though he completed only grammar school, Stavros possessed a humble wisdom that could never be taught in a classroom. As a farmer, he worked the land with genuine reverence, tending olive groves that produced extra virgin olive oil; growing plump organic oranges, and cultivating grapes to artisanal wine. He loved all of God's creation, especially the horses and animals that helped him in his labors.

In 1970, he married the love of his life, Glykeria Anastasopoulos, from a neighboring village. Together they immigrated to America, where they built a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion. Their marriage of 53 years was a testament to mutual respect, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty and commitment.

After a brief time in Massachusetts, Stavros moved his family permanently to Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1973. Stavros and Glykeria became proud American citizens and assimilated well, while also maintaining their rich heritage, traditions and faith. Known affectionately as "Mr. Steve," he was the co-founder of Chesapeake Pizza, where he became a local favorite with his infectious grin and outgoing personality. Stavros was a gentle and generous neighbor whose warm smile and contagious sense of humor could lift any spirit. His presence made others feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. He found joy in the ocean, and loved to fish, garden, and take walks. He spent countless hours years ago making memories with his sons and their friends fishing off of the Sandbridge pier.

A devoted Orthodox Christian, Stavros kept a Christ-centered home and raised his sons in the life of the Holy Apostolic Church. He lived the Golden Rule with every breath he took. He rose early, worked tirelessly, never complained, and carried himself with a humility that defined true strength and respect. For his sons, Spiros and Greg, he was the perfect example of what it means to be a good man-not measured in material achievements, but rather in faith, kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. These virtues, passed down to his grandchildren, are his lasting legacy.

Stavros is predeceased by parents, his devoted and loving wife, Glykeria, his brother Kostas Giannakopoulos, and his sister Eleni Anastasopoulos. May their Memories be Eternal and their Reunions Joyous.

He leaves behind a family who adores him beyond measure:

his sons Spiros Giannakopoulos and his wife Nikki, and Greg Giannakopoulos and his wife Maria; his beautiful grandchildren Stavros, Despina, Nicole, Alexia, Emma, Glykeria, and Stavros; his beloved niece Bessie Piperidis, her husband Ilias, and their sons; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday December 4, 2025 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

The family offers their deepest gratitude to Gina Loucas for the years of devotion, compassion, love and tender care she gave to both Stavros and Glykeria. Her presence has been an immeasurable blessing to our family, and we remain forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Oman Funeral Home is honored to serve Mr. Steve's Family. Condolences may be sent to his family at www.omanfh.com.