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EVAN TRIANDAFILOU Obituary
TRIANDAFILOU EVAN TRIANDAFILOU "Papou" "The Godfather" of INSCOM Evan "Papou" Triandafilou, 85, of North Potomac, MD passed away at his home on May 14, 2014 surrounded by his family. Husband of beloved wife Denise for 53 years; Devoted father of Jonathan (Nancy) Triandafilou, Andriana (Michael) Murtaugh, Alexandra (Gus) Stathes, Nicholas (Nancy) Triandafilou, Danae (Gregory) Christensen, Shauna (Tom) Arata, Stefan (Jennifer) Triandafilou; Cherished grandfather of twenty-seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Born in Portland, Maine but raised in Newburyport, MA, Evan attended Newburyport High, and was revered as the class president, captain, and quarterback of his football team. Evan continued honing his leadership skills as he graduated from Georgetown University from the school of foreign service with a Masters in International Affairs. He began his career with the state department, stationed in Thessoliniki, Greece. Evan then transferred to INSCOM where he worked in Counter Intelligence. His experiences included several tours in Tokyo, Japan and Frankfort Germany. Upon returning home permanently in 1968, Evan continued his work with INSCOM, ultimately becoming the director of TAREX program in 1976. He continued in that position for the next 27 years. Lt. General Robert W. Noonan Jr., a former INSCOM commander appointed Evan "The Godfather" of the TAREX program, a name that has stuck since 1998. Evan was the first non-NSA employee to receive the National Security Agency Meritorious Civilian Service Award. When speaking about his work, Evan would say, "My dad instilled many values in me. Commitment, faith, respect for your elders, truthfulness, and hard work are values I hope my wife and I have passed onto our family." The nickname "Papou" was all too appropriate as he cared for and loved family and friends alike. You could often find him with a child on his lap singing a Greek lullaby, wearing a Boston Red Sox cap, with a cigar from his mouth. His favorite times were spent watching the Red Sox, betting on the horses, and spending time with family. As the patriarch of the family, he will be greatly missed. Viewing will take place Friday, May 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Andrews Ukranian Orthodox Church, 15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905. The Trisagion Service will take place at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 12800 Viers Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20853. Roses may be placed at the place of burial. A celebration of Papou's life will be held at the residence of Alexandra and Gus Stathes following the burial, 15805 Amelung Lane, Rockville, MD 20855. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital. Viewing will take place Friday, May 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Andrews Ukranian Orthodox Church, 15100 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20905. The Trisagion Service will take place at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, 12800 Viers Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20853. Roses may be placed at the place of burial. A celebration of Papou's life will be held at the residence of Alexandra and Gus Stathes following the burial, 15805 Amelung Lane, Rockville, MD 20855. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital.
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Memories and Condolences
for EVAN TRIANDAFILOU
Tony Varela
May 12, 2022
Bittersweet memories of the love he had for us and the loss of his leadership. May he rest in peace.
Tony Varela
May 9, 2021
I have had many supervisors who strived to lead with caring actions but have still to find as great and compassionate a leader who also embodied the father figure that was Evan's way for all his subordinates. The Godfather will always be the epitome of a great mentor. My prayers and blessings for his family who must miss him as we all do.
Tony Varela
May 9, 2020
After all these years of service both in my military and civilian career, I have yet to find a mentor as I had in Evan. Whenever I have the opportunity to reminisce about my time in the Program with other coworkers, the highlight of that time was working under Evan's direction. I am grateful for the lessons I learned on collaborating with others in order to accomplish the mission. Everyday, I strive to conduct myself as if he were peering over my shoulder. Rest in peace, old friend.
John Hartcher
May 9, 2020
Evan, you are still in our thoughts. I have told many friends about and how many of us thought about you as a second father. Thank you again for all the memories and the support.
Dobbie Lambert
May 9, 2019
Miss you Evan and could've used more at work like you - a mentor and a friend. God Bless.
Alex Stathes
June 9, 2014
I miss you Daddy everyday! I dream about holding your hand and scratching your head one more time. If I could just have it one more time. As life moves on I know that you are with me. I went to see you yesterday and the wind chimes sung our song. I LOVE YOU!
John and Pam Mulshine
May 20, 2014
Did not know you long enough, Evan! But I could see why so many were so fond of you! You were a true leader and brought out the best in all of us. Our best to your family and friends, as they mourn your passing, and celebrate your life. Peace to you, Friend!
Kenneth Barnett
May 20, 2014
Denise, I was deeply saddened by the news of Evan's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. The very best years of my career were those I spent in the Program under Evan's leadership. I am thankful for the opportunity he provided and for his mentorship. Evan will live on in our memories forever.
~
Ann SEROR
May 19, 2014
Dear Evan:
As I mourn your passing with Denise and all your beloved family, friends and colleagues, I realize how fortunate we all are to have known you - a man of extraordinary faith, loyalty, dedication and spirit. When I last saw you, we both understood that we would never meet again in life. You must know that I will always love you.
Ann Séror
Quebec City
Sent from my iPad
The TAREX Team
May 19, 2014
Dear Godfather,
Your picture and cane are in our conference room as a reminder at just how great of leader were you were. Everything you did, helped to mentor and guide us. Thank you so much for you and your family's sacrifice. We will miss you so very much.
May 19, 2014
Denise and Family,
So sorry to hear of Evan's passing. His legacy should be a treasure for many years to come. Kathy and I share in your grief and offer sympathy and condolences. Mick Shaughnessy; TAREX 1989-2001.
HELEN SULLIVAN
May 18, 2014
A true friend for many, many years. Lots of happy memories - visits for weddings, christenings and visits just for fun. LOVE to Denise and all the family. I share your sorrow.
Evan,a friend for many, many years to Bill, myself and my family. Lots of wonderful memories. Visits for christenings, weddings and just for fun. My love to Denise and all the family. I Share in your sorrow.
Many happy times with
denise
a
Mary Sullivan
May 17, 2014
To all of the Triandafilou family. Your dad was simply, the best. Love to you all. Mary Sullivan, Chicago, IL
Maura Sullivan
May 17, 2014
My heart goes out to the entire Triandafilou family, may your love for each other guide you through this time. Uncle Evan was always special to me. He and my dad can catch up now! Much love,
Jim and Vickie Willoughby
May 17, 2014
Dear Denise and Family,
We were very saddened to hear of Evan's passing. I worked with Evan for over 30 years as a member of his worldwide team. It was such a wonderful experience to be part of a program led by such a kind-hearted understanding and insightful leader as Evan.
With deepest sympathy, we send our heartfelt prayers for you and family.
M U
May 16, 2014
Denise and the rest of the Triandafilou family. You have my heartfelt condolences on your loss. He was a great man who made a difference. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Tony Varela
May 16, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family of a great man. A father figure to those who came in contact with him; I am a better person for having known him. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family and comfort them at this time of loss. I will miss him.
T W
May 16, 2014
An Icon. Privileged to have worked for Evan. He made us want to work to make him proud. And we did.
Kenneth Barnett
May 16, 2014
Denise, I was deeply saddened by the news of Evan's passing. My hear felt condolences to you and your family. The very best years of my career were those I spent in the Program under Evan's leadership. I am thankful for the opportunity he provided and for his mentorship. Evan will live on in our memories forever.
Raul Gonzales
May 16, 2014
Dear Denise and Family,
Our deepest condolences upon Evan's passing of which I was notified today. I had the honor of serving in Evan's Program for nearly nine years in Latin America. I remember Evan as a generous and caring man who loved his people and his Program. I know that I am one of many that is sincerely thankful to have known Evan. God Bless You.
Diane Strodel
May 16, 2014
Thinking of you all at this time. What an amazing man. Blessings and peace to you all.
May 16, 2014
I sought my soul,
but my soul I could not see.
I sought my God,
but my God eluded me.
I sought my brother
and I found all three.
I have always loved you. You were my security blanket.
Your kid sister,
Jasmine
Daniel R. Ferry
May 16, 2014
Denise: What wonderful memories I and my boys have of Evan and yourself; from peewees soccer through George Washington University and all the weekends we shared. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
John Mitchell
May 16, 2014
It's sad to hear of Evan's passing, but I'm smiling as I read all these brief testimonials to the shining example of his professional and personal life! My experience was of Evan as a consummate leader and father-figure to the entire TAREX program. I will never forget the rich smell of Evan's cigar wafting out of his office in the top floor at AHS, the passionate and caring management style he took with all of us, and the way he made us all feel a part of his family. Thanks also to Rick for helping to keep us all together, and for hosting the annual get-togethers where I was privileged to visit with Evan a year or so ago. Blessings and comfort to his family and close friends.
Steve Kulmala
May 16, 2014
Rest in peace, Boss. I'm grateful you allowed me to work on your team twice. Those years were among the best in my 24 years of active duty. Like others, I gave up other opportunities to stay on your team, without regrets. You were the glue that bound us together. With respect. Steve
Dobbie
May 16, 2014
Evan. A mentor, friend, and a great man. So many experiences and things I learned from working with you. So many days of hard work, laughter, arguing, and all of us leveraging the system to get the job done in spite of itself... And the nation would never know what we collectively accomplished under your watchful eye. The many things you taught us: Chico, Bill, Blaine, and countless others. Best wishes to the Triandafilou Family. Evan, we will all miss you.
May 15, 2014
Working with Evan as a TAREX Detachment Commander was the high point of my US Army career. He was also an outstanding mentor, who I relied on throughout the rest of my career. A wonderful man.
Michael W. David, PhD
National Intelligence University
LTC (Ret)
May 15, 2014
Denise,
We just heard about Evan's passing and wish to extend our sympathy to you and the family. I attended grammar school, high school, and Greek school with Evan. Our parents were close friends as well. My brother Nick, who lives in Silver Spring will be attending Evan's wake, representing our family.
God be with him.
Byron & Helen Matthews
Syd Seiler
May 15, 2014
Evan: I know of no single man who has touched so many lives. Thanks for everything, and deepest sympathies to the family.
Joel Watson
May 15, 2014
My thoughts are with all of you. Even though time and distance has separated us you will always be family to me. Papou treated me like a son and I saw him as a father, I will always love and respect him very much. He was a great man with the biggest heart I've ever seen. I will miss knowing he is on the earth but I know he has made heaven a much better place.
With much love, Joel Watson
Caesar & Lissette Garcia
May 15, 2014
To the Triandafilou family,
Evan was a true mentor to me, I will cherish our time discussing our beloved Yanks and Sox rivalry. May Glod bless his soul and grant him eternal bliss. I will never forget you, or the lessons you taught me.
Dave Church
May 15, 2014
Evan,
You made the world a better place and I am a better person for knowing you. Rest in peace my friend, I will miss you.
cindy perkins
May 15, 2014
Our thoughts are with you and your whole family.
LTG Patrick M Hughes, US Army (Ret)
May 15, 2014
Evan was a fine man -- a true pioneer in a little understood field of intelligence endeavor. His passing marks the end of an era and leaves a great gap in the community. I offer my final salute...
Larry & Edith Mellgren
May 15, 2014
To Denise and the entire Triandafilou family. Our deepest sympathies as you go through these trying times. Evan loved his family with a passion and couldn't wait to tell what great things his family was doing. Evan brought that love of family to his professional career and to him; those of us who had the opportunity to serve with him were in fact his extended family. And to hear Evan tell it, we gave him more gray hairs than his children ever did. I had the pleasure of serving with Evan in the program and to me, he was more than just a boss. Evan was my mentor, my friend. God bless.
Gary Dickmeyer
May 15, 2014
To Denise and the entire Triandafilou family, We would like to express our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather. May Evan's soul rest in eternal peace and may the peace of the Lord be with you in this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Gary & Claire Dickmeyer, Stuttgart, Germany
Bill & Judy Thompson
May 15, 2014
Forever cheering at poolside!, or at the side lines. It was a gift to have known you and your beautiful family. You will live on in the hearts of many. Wish we could be with them as they say good bye. The Thompsons
Richard "Dixie" Dean
May 15, 2014
I thank God for having been blessed with knowing, working with, and receiving guuidance from such a caring and passionate, not to mention dedicated individual. He is missed but the memories of service, laughs, and sucesses in our mission are all due to Evan's prowess and insight. He touched many hearts and lead many a man and woman in patriotic duty. With heart felt condolences...
Bill Coyle
May 15, 2014
Prayers to the whole Triandafilou family and to the memory of this great family man and public servant.
John Hatcher
May 15, 2014
Evan,
Your were like a father to us. I think those of us still living will greatly miss you. In the last phone conversation we had, you said we did some great things, and indeed we did. All of them with your wisdom and guidance moving us to better and greater opportunities. Evan, it was a privilege to have worked in the program with you. To the Triandafilou family, Evan was the finest person I have known in my career with the federal government. Even though to us he is no longer here, he is I'm sure, in heaven with God.
Alex Stathes
May 15, 2014
I love you Daddy! You are finally at peace. Go dance and sing with all the angels. Say hello to your Mom for me - I can't wait to meet her. There will not be a day that goes by that I won't listen to you sing to me - I'm holding the brown and yellow basket.
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