Stephanos Zanaros

Zanaros, Stephanos SARATOGA SPRINGS Stephanos "Steve" Zanaros, 87 of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully in his home on January 30, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Steve was a simple man that led a very fulfilled and beautiful life. He was born and raised in the small village of Vassileonkio located on the Greek island of Chios. He was the son of the late Georgios and Anastasia Zanaros. He served his country in the Greek Navy and then went on to work for various cruise ships, traveling the world several times over. As the eldest son of the family he bore significant responsibilities, sending home his earnings to support his parents and assuring his sisters were married with proper dowries. He met his bride of 51 years, Sophia, on the island of Chios and then moved to mainland Athens after marrying in 1969. He worked for the Coca Cola company in Athens and spent his nights and weekends making extra money as a carpenter. In 1972, Steve took his wife and newborn daughter Anastasia "Soula" to the United States to visit family in upstate New York and they never looked back. He fulfilled his lifelong dream of moving to the U.S. to make a better life for himself and his family. His son George was born three years later. His family was complete. Steve joined his brother-in-law and worked in the family business, the Spa City Diner, for the next 30 years. He was known for his delicious soups and as the ultimate handyman for the business. There wasn't anything that he couldn't do, make, or fix. After retiring from the Spa City Diner, he started his "next" career helping his son-in-law, Spiros, at the Greenwich House of Pizza for the next 20 years. He completed his last shift a week before his passing, at the age of 87. Later in life, he and his wife summered in Chios. He spent his days working outside and perfecting his beloved garden while Sophia was in the kitchen preparing lunch. Steve adored his wife's cooking and a glass of ouzo to go with it. In the evenings, he enjoyed listening to Greek music, drinking red wine and dancing zembekiko. He loved spending time with his family, friends and anyone lucky enough to be around him. Steve was a very religious man and had deep compassion for all living things. He was involved in the parish of St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. He attended mass every Sunday, always respectfully dressed in a suit and tie. He also looked forward to gathering with his friends after church at coffee hour. Steve was known for his afternoon stroll to Stewart's to grab his favorite cup of coffee. He was always seen smiling and in one of his famous baseball caps. His smile could light up a room. Steve earned his American citizenship in 1977. He worked his entire life for his family and considered the ability to work a gift. He raised his children with the fundamentals of religion, family, hard work, and education. He was a very proud American that fulfilled the true American dream. He is survived by his loving wife Sophia Zanaros; his daughter Soula (Spiros) Tsitos of Saratoga Springs; his son George (Amy) Zanaros of Latham; his beloved grandchildren, Konstantinos and Stefanos Tsitos; his sister Despina Karasoulis of Athens, Greece; his brother Michalis (Eleni) Zanaros of Montreal, Quebec; and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Nikos Zanaros; and his sister Lambrini Gialouris. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service that will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton St., Schenectady. Interment will follow in the Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Please be advised that facial covering and social distancing in keeping with the CDC regulations will be necessary both at church and the cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton St., Schenectady, NY, 12305.