Steve D. Theoharides

Steve D. Theoharides, 77, of Worcester and Piraeus, Greece, was lost at sea while sailing off the coast of Mitilini, Greece early in September.

His former wife, the late Theodora Theoharides, died in 2001. He leaves a son, Donald S. Theoharides and his fiancée, Lisa J. Tee of Holden, a daughter-in-law, Sharon A. Theoharides of Shrewsbury, a brother, Dionysius Theoharidis of Dennis and his former daughter-in-law, Victoria Proko Theoharides of Harwich. He is predeceased by his brothers: Spero Theoharidis of So. Yarmouth and Theoharis Theoharidis of Cotuit. His son, Anthony D. Theoharides, died in 1992.

He was blessed with four grandchildren: Adria and Alexa Theoharides of Harwich and Stephen and Christopher Theoharides of Shrewsbury, and many nieces and nephews.

He was born in Piraeus, Greece, son of Diogenes and Marika Efstiadou Theoharidis in 1928. He served in the Greek Navy as a yeoman for three years. As a young man, he studied voice at the Conservatory of Music in Athens. He came to America in 1952 at the age of 24. In 1976, he achieved his high school diploma from the Worcester Public Schools at night.

He was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and an archon member of The Brotherhood Order of AHEPA in Worcester.

He owned and operated Theo's Restaurant on Highland Street for 38 years, retiring in 1984. He spent most of his retirement years visiting friends and family in Greece and many other parts of the world. From 1959 to 1969, he had an orchestra called Steve Theo's Orchestra specializing in Greek, Mediterranean and American music.

Those who knew him would often say he had an unrivaled zest for life. His solo trans-Atlantic voyage from Florida to Greece in 1990 is one of many examples of how vibrantly he lived. They would also say, that the sea will forever be a lasting testament to a life that was nothing short of miraculous.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 22 at 10:00 a.m. in The Divine Liturgy St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral.