Athanasios "Arthur" Shocas

Athanasios "Arthur" Shocas, 91, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 17, 2007.

He was born in the village of Longo in Vorios Epirus, Greece, and came to Uxbridge, MA as a teenager. Arthur married Aristula "Toula" Pappas, and they began their life in Worcester where they raised five daughters. His beloved Toula died in April 2007; they had been married for 60 years. In 1952, Arthur purchased Montrose Dairy on West Boylston Street, which expanded into the successful Montrose Restaurant. For the next 25 years, he worked seven days a week, enjoying every minute of the restaurant business. He especially loved his many customers and dedicated staff. The American Culinary Federation Chapters of New England presented him with its medal of honor, the highest award the New England Chefs Association bestows. Arthur was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as a Staff Sergeant, US Army, Company M, 390th Infantry Regiment, 98th Division. He was stationed in Hawaii in preparation for the invasion of Japan, and served in Japan as part of the occupation force. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was an active member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and served on its Board of Directors. Arthur and his wife helped organize the first of many Greek festivals at St. Spyridon's. He was a member of the Order of AHEPA and the Epirotic Society. Arthur most enjoyed being with his family who are eternally grateful for his love, selfless generosity, and humor. With his wife, he loved to cook and entertain. He was a storyteller who shared his war stories and those of his youth with family and friends. He was proud of his heritage, and enjoyed Greek music, dancing, and quoting the ancient Greek philosophers.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law,Dorothea and Steven Craig, of Hanover and Truro MA, Elaine K. Shocas, of Washington, DC, Katherine Shocas and Daniel de la Torre, of Worcester, MA, Sandra and James Bazoukas, of Worcester, MA, Maria and Thomas Arms, of Ridgefield, CT. He was the loving Papou to Michael and Alexis Bazoukas, Alexander Scott, Isabella K. Arms and step-grandchild Natalia de la Torre. He is also survived by his sisters, Sophia Vasili and Evanthia Prokos of Longo, and several nieces and nephews of Athens, Greece. Arthur was the son of the late Michael and Eleni (Tsatis) Shocas.

The funeral will be held on Monday, October 22nd from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with services at 11:00 AM at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday, October 21st from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

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