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James Pialtos Obituary

James "Jim" Pialtos

Worcester - James "Jim" Pialtos passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters, following a courageous battle with leukemia.

A true gentleman, Jim lived his life selflessly and to the fullest -- he was always learning, laughing, and loving. He brought out the best in everyone and always put others first. Jim's family, friends, and patients meant the world to him. Working alongside his wife to run his optometry practice, he helped people see the world more clearly, both literally and figuratively. Jim's endless optimism, strong family values, perseverance, and commitment to his Greek culture will continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Regina (Kessel) Pialtos, and his devoted children, Alia Pialtos, Ariana Tornatore and her husband Robert, and Arista Katsourakis and her husband Panormitis; his beloved grandchildren, Theo and Eva Tornatore, will remember him as a loving Papou. Jim is also survived by his sister, Alexandra Patronas and her husband Charles, and three nieces, who endearingly call him "Unc." He was predeceased by his mother and father, Irene and Nestor Pialtos and brother, Arthur. He leaves his great nieces & nephews, godchildren, cousins, and countless lifelong friends with nothing but the very best memories and life lessons.

Born in Worcester to Greek immigrants, Jim's family owned and operated The Honey Dew Restaurant on Main Street for 32 years. Growing up, he developed a strong work ethic from an early age. When he wasn't bussing tables or peeling potatoes, Jim enjoyed playing little league, then varsity baseball & basketball, and working as a lifeguard at Salisbury Beach. Throughout his childhood, he frequently made the local sports section of the newspaper, filling scrapbooks with his impressive stats at bat and on the pitcher's mound. Jim became a local sensation, known throughout Worcester as an all-star athlete.

He was equally as talented on the athletic field as he was in the classroom. After graduating from North High School, Jim became a proud Husky and studied Zoology at the University of Connecticut, before earning his Doctor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston in 1967. Jim chose to fulfill his military obligations by enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was Captain of the 23rd Medical Battalion and Chief of the Optometry Clinic in Chu Lai. Surviving the war led him to value the most important things in life -- good health, happiness, and family.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim achieved his dream of establishing his private practice in Millbury and Whitinsville, where he enjoyed serving the community for 47 years. When he wasn't at the office, you could find him swimming at the YMCA, tending to his garden, fishing on the Cape, enjoying New England sports, or tuning into a late-night boxing match.

However, Jim's most cherished and proudest moments of his life involved his family. With Regina, he enjoyed watching his daughters and grandchildren grow, learn, and develop into their own selves. Jim lived for every graduation, family vacation, holiday, wedding, or any other reason to spend time with the people he loved most. He once said to his daughters, "I'm a busy dad, but wouldn't change any minute of it. You each did something that I will always remember. One day you'll know what it's like. The moments with my kids will stay with me forever."

All are welcome to attend calling hours on Monday, May 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. His funeral service will begin at 12:30 PM in the cathedral. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person: http://spyridoncathedral.org/live-stream/watch

In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim with a contribution to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dr. James Pialtos to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. We are forever indebted to the amazing care and teams at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Milford Regional Medical Center, and Brigham and Women's Hospital who cared for Jim since his diagnosis. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Francis O'Connor, O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester.

oconnorbrothers.com

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from May 7 to May 9, 2021.
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Memories and Condolences
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Regina and family - I only heard about Jim's passing in Nov. 2023 and wished to add a note that he was a wonderful, upbeat person who brightened our days back in the 1960'd when he did an internship with Dr. Douvas in Port Huron, MI. I am very sorry that he has passed and glad he had such a wonderful and fulfilling life with his work and family. Diane Merriman, RN

Diane Merriman

Work

November 1, 2023

JOHNGEORGE Pasvant

Family

May 9, 2023

Sorry to hear about your loss we wish you well JG pas v a n t and family and Waterford Michigan strong:-)

JOHNGEORGE Pasvant

Family

May 8, 2023

Just heard about James passing. Nobody ever really looks forward going to the eye doctor but I always did. James was wonderful and I missed going to him after I moved away. Such a wonderful man. My condolences to everybody who knew him. God bless.

Randy T

October 11, 2022

You were my eye doctor for many years and I will miss you.
You were always personable and friendly. Condolences to the family and friends. RIP.....Dr. Jim

Angelo Mirabile

July 12, 2021

To Regina and the Pialtos Family,

We are very saddened by the news of Jim's passing. I have respected him for years as a colleague, as we would see each other at Optometric meetings and share stories of our families and our practices. He was a truly kind and gentle man...along with being a gentleman. He loved his girls! Pearl and I ask Almighty God to bestow His Choicest Blessings upon the Pialtos Family...not only in this time if testing and loss...but always.

With Love and Prayers,
Dick and Pearl

Deacon Dick and Pearl Martino

May 11, 2021

May Jim's Memory be Eternal.

The Jeas Family
Bill Jeas - Northborough

Jeas Family - Bill Jeas

May 11, 2021

Sandy, I´m so sorry to hear about your brother´s passing. You have my deepest sympathy.

Agnes Petropoulos

May 11, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Dr. Pialtos Family.
Dr. Pialtos was so kind and caring during my eye exams and was ever so patient when I brought my elderly mother in for an exam.
My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Mary Minor

May 11, 2021

Regina and family, very sorry to hear of your loss.

Simeon Gourousis

May 10, 2021

Sandra, I am so sorry for your loss.

Simeon Gourousis

May 10, 2021

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Pialtos. I am saddened to learn of his passing after an illness. He was always so courteous and professional during my eye exams and took the time to explain things. It was a pleasure to have him as my eye doctor.

Karen Lennox

May 10, 2021

Dear Sandy and Family, It is hard to believe how many years have passed since we were teenagers enjoying GOYA Dances in the basement of St Spyridon's. I remember Jimmy as kind and friendly to everyone and always part of the fun! I am so sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal.

Elaine Andreson Peterson

May 9, 2021

Thank you for your military service, you chose to answer your country's call when many ran from it. God bless you.

P.J. Nes

May 9, 2021

Dear Regina and family.. We're so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Our friendship goes way back to when Jim grew up on Auburn St and we lived on Channing St. The Hatch family has many memories of the time spent with Jim and the Pialtos family and later years when we saw Jim and Regina for our eye exams. Rest in piece dear friend. Fondly Elaine, Doug and Family

Elaine and Doug Hatch

May 9, 2021

Dear Regina and children,
My sincerely sympathy for your loss . Jim was known to all as a gentleman who loved his family and always showed kindness to others . Cherish the memories ....

Christine Kaltsas Martin

May 8, 2021

Dear Sandy, I am so sorry to hear the news of your brother´s passing Jimmy, as I remember him, was never without his beautiful
smile. So kind and sweet. I send you my sympathy. May his memory be eternal

Helen Pallas-Viola, Cape Cod

May 8, 2021

Memory Eternal to a very kind man.

Christo and Carolyn Baltas

May 8, 2021

To the entire Pialtos' family, Bob and I send our deepest sympathies. Jimmy was a fantastic person and always so kind and caring. May he rest in peace, Our thoughts and prayers are will you and the entire family.

Sharyn Beauregard

May 8, 2021

I am sorry for your lost. He was great person, when my father was no long able to go to the office for his eye exam, he came to the house. He was my doctor for more years than I can remember all the when back to when he started and he really did care for his patients. He will be missed.

Ann (Gendron) Nocchi

May 8, 2021

Dear Regina, daughters and Sandy, please accept my condolences for the loss of your husband, father and brother. Such a beautiful picture and obituary to such a fine and honorable man. You were all blessed. Peace and comfort to him and you. Penelope (Soter) Wolosz

Penelope Wolosz

May 8, 2021

So sorry for your loss he was a wonderful man and eye doctor I started going to him when he started practicing. I will be forever grateful to him for detecting eye problems.

Pat Putnam

May 8, 2021

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful Doctor who took care of me for years.

Janice Baillargeon Sutton, MA.

May 8, 2021

Great guy,teammate and true gentleman ,classmate later took care of my sons eye care.He will be missed ,condolences to the Pialtos family.

Frank Roncone

May 7, 2021

To The Pialtos family the class of North High School 1960 send their deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. He had many friends as classmates.

Jim Cronin

May 7, 2021

My sincere sympathy. It was my honor to know you all from your time with us at Nashaway Pediatrics

Joan Nelson

May 7, 2021

Heartfelt condolences as you navigate this challenging time. Jim was a true gentleman. May his memory be eternal.

Paul Zekos

May 7, 2021

We are so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. We will always remember all the times together at softball. Your family is in our prayers.

Laurie & Peter Ferraro

May 7, 2021

Deepest sympathy to a sweet person

Delores lupu felis

May 7, 2021

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Pialtos. I am saddened and heartbroken to learn of his passing after an illness. I've known Dr. Pialtos for 45 years and he was always a pleasure to converse with both on a professional and friendly platform. I will remember him as a true gentleman and class act and someone who took great pride in his family and his patients. He will truly be missed by his family and those who knew him. Rest in peace sir.

Ron Benoit Jr, Lincoln, Maine

May 7, 2021

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Memorial Events
for James Pialtos

May

10

Calling hours

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral

102 Russell Street, MA

May

10

Funeral service

12:30 p.m.

St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral

102 Russell Street, MA

Funeral services provided by:

O'Connor Brothers Funeral Home Inc

592 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603

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