Chris Mantzavinos

Chris Mantzavinos, 81, of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Caldwell, NJ, passed away on April 6, 2020.

He was a kind and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was strong in his faith, proud of his Greek heritage, and always had a positive outlook on life.

Chris was born in Pittsburgh, PA to immigrant parents from Cephalonia, Greece. As a first generation American growing up in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, he maintained the ties between family in the “Old Country” and America. He worked in his father’s restaurant through high school. After high school, Chris served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Following his discharge, Chris returned to Pittsburgh and in 1967, he married the love of his life Mary.

After getting married, they moved to Caldwell, NJ. Chris worked for a time on Wall Street and then had a successful career as a jeweler. He was an active member of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (formerly in West Orange, NJ) and active in the Order of AHEPA, rising to District Governor for District 5 (NJ and DE).

Upon retiring, Chris and Mary moved to Wilmington, DE to be closer to their grandchildren. Once they arrived in Wilmington, Chris became an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where he made many new friends.

Chris was predeceased by his parents, Spiros and Kyriakoula Mantzavinos, and his sister Theodosia Chartofillis. He is survived by his wife of more than 52 years, Mary, his son Spiros (Megan), granddaughters Sophia and Katherine, and nephews George Chartofillis (Lilliana) and Spiro Chartofillis (Yelena).

The family wishes to thank Wilmington Hospital’s ICU nurses, physician assistants, and physicians for the care and comfort they provided Chris.

Funeral services will be private. Upon the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held for family and friends to come together to remember and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Chris’ name be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 808 North Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806.

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Funeral Services

Funeral services will be private. Upon the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be held for family and friends to come together to remember and celebrate his life.

Condolences

Kathy McGuiness writes,

I am so sorry. I am sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We love you all.

04/07/2020 04:49 pm

Riki and Allan Applebaum lit a candle and writes,

Our hearts are breaking for you, Spiro and your family. Hopefully you will be able to celebrate his life soon. Riki & Allan Applebaum

04/07/2020 05:29 pm

Fountzoulas Family lit a candle and writes,

A great, always smiling, polite man! I always cherished talking to him! We will miss him! Let his memory be eternal! Αιωνία του η μνήμη! Ζωή σ' εσάς! Costas, Audrey, George and Eirenee-Constabtina

04/07/2020 05:44 pm

Katharine Frangopoulos writes,

You were so loved uncle Chris. I will miss all of your amazing stories you had and the laughter which lit up the room. I love you. Until we meet again

04/07/2020 05:49 pm

Gregory and Stephanie Panos writes,

Our deepest sympathies And all our love to you and your family. May his memory be eternal.

04/07/2020 05:57 pm

Spiros Chartofillis lit a candle and writes,

My dearest Nouno and Koumaro, Words cannot express the grief and pain that has overcome me. All my life you had been there for me in the good and bad times. Always willing to listen, give advice, display your remarkable memory of people, stories and events that happened over 50 years ago as if it was yesterday. Your delicious homemade mashed potatoes were the favorite at the table and always the first platter to be emptied and devoured by all. You will be greatly missed, but your smile, laughter, kindness, and loyalty will be cherished and remembered by all who were lucky to have met or been a part of your life. I will miss you very much.

04/07/2020 06:49 pm

Yelena Chartofillis writes,

Dear Beloved Uncle Chris, I was so happy and honored to have you in my life even for a short time. Both you and Nouna always made me feel loved, accepted and special, My only regret is I will no longer hear you enchant me with your wonderful wit, humor, smile and stories. I will miss your speaking Russian to me and making me feel like I am back in Europe when you made Russian food. just for me. Rest In Peace . You will always be remembered and missed.

04/07/2020 07:04 pm

Jessica Wilson lit a candle and writes,

Mr. Mantzovinos was a constant in my childhood. I am so very sorry we have lost him, but I will always remember his smiling heart. There isn't a time I can remember when he wasn't happy to see me or welcome me into his home. All my love and condolences to Mrs. Mantzovinos, and to Spiros and Megs.

04/07/2020 07:19 pm

Douglas vey lit a candle and writes,

My heart goes out to you brother, may our prayers help you and your family during these trying times.

04/07/2020 07:54 pm

Harry & Sophia Courtis lit a candle and writes,

Our deepest condolences Spiro to you and your family on the loss of your father. Harry & Sophia Courtis

04/07/2020 08:24 pm

Jonathan wood lit a candle and writes,

I’m very sorry for your loss, I have many fond memories from high school and the time we went to the Greek festivals I remember them very well, my prayer go out to you and you family.

04/07/2020 10:43 pm

Anastasios Melisaris, Houston Texas lit a candle and writes,

Spiro, our deep condolences on the loss of your father... He was a great man. ZOI SE SAS.

04/07/2020 10:48 pm

Gerasimos Mavrogiannis lit a candle and writes,

I was so sorry to hear the sad news. You will be remembered for your kindness and smile. Such a good and gentle person. I was lucky to speak to you on the phone couple months ago when I was in Mississippi. R.I.P. Uncle Chris.. My condolences and also from my family in Athens to θεια, cousin Spyros and fam.

04/08/2020 12:30 am

Tasia & Katerina Frangopoulou, Platon Antoniadis writes,

We are all so sorry for your loss. We will remember him always telling stories and being overwhelmed meeting relatives from "the old country". We will miss him....

04/08/2020 02:35 am

Dionysios Pagoulatos lit a candle and writes,

Eternal to be the memory of Uncle Chris whom I had the luck to meet during his trip to Greece a lot of years ago... I always remember Him for his impulsive kindness and the wide spread smile emitting his great soul and emotions! A great loss for his family, relatives and friends as well. I express my sympathy to Aunt Mary and Cousin Spyros! Let time heal their hearts from this sorrow...

04/08/2020 07:59 am

George and Liliana Chartofillis writes,

Our dearest, closest, and loving Uncle Chris, From my day of birth to the acquaintance and future love and respect of me, George's wife, Liliana, you always showed your love, interest, generousity, hospitality, and wisdom of experience, laughter, and care. Uncle Chris, how much I remember our days not only in Pittsburgh, but also in New Jersey and Delaware when we never seemed to be too far away (only hours). My days with Yiayia Kyriakoula and Papu Spiros will forever be in my heart and memory as long as I live. You reached out to touched our lives tremendously in times of happiness, trouble, and in times of grief, especially with the loss of our dearly departed love ones that I, George in particular were so close, devoted, and loving to. You comforted me and gave me strength and courage to continue despite the loss of my beloved parents, Nicholas and Sally (Theodosia). It seems that especially these last 3 consecutive years 2018, 2019, and now 2020, I have lost 3 of one the most important, loving, and influential people in my life. The countless times you invited me to your home to share each other's company, stories, and current events about relatives, friends, I will always be greatful Liliana and I for those precious moments. Liliana and I love, respect, and will always be greatful that we were part of the "Mantzavinos" family. Even as a child when I was in Pittsburgh, my mother would take me to Papu's restaurant in South Side, 6 days a week even after school until 7PM and every Saturday morning and late afternoons to see you behind the counter working hard, Papu giving my brother and I nickels back then to play the pinball machine or the judebox, you can guess and know where my nickel went! Even on Sundays we would come over to Yiayia and Papu's house and spend many happy and memorable times together including all the holidays and receiving every holiday or celebration cards in the mail from you and Thea Kay. Liliana adopted you as her new uncle in her extended family and ALWAYS would ask me to call your uncle and want to speak with you at all times just to hear your voice and feel your love. You have passed away to be with our Lord Jesus Christ and his Father, the Almighty God, 2 weeks before our Easter as my mother passed away 2 weeks before Christmas. I guess the Lord wanted both of you at that particular time that only he can say why. We will miss you, we will always love you and think of you always, and most importantly thankful that you came in both of our lives here on this earth. We are certain that 1 day we will be together again and catch up on past days we were not able to be together. God bless you, you were a pussycat with more than 9 lives with all that you suffered with physically, mentally, and emotionally. Now all that pain is erased forever and you will be at peace and comfort with the Lord now and forever. ALL ARE THANKS, LOVE, APPRECIATION, AND GRATITUDE for being in our lives and sharing your time, love, experience, wisdom, and comfort to both of us.

04/08/2020 10:50 am

Ernestine Lykiardopoulos Theofanis lit a candle and writes,

My immense and deepest sympathies with the loss of this AMAZING and VERY SPECIAL man....Ζοη σε Σας❤️

04/08/2020 01:22 pm

Susie Kelleher lit a candle and writes,

Dear Mary, Spiros & Family, I was so very saddened to hear about Chris. He was such a sweet man and I remember my last conversation with him a few months ago, and while I did not know him on a personal level, but in my dealings with him as a parishioner of Holy Trinity over the last 15 years, he was such a sweet spirit with never a bad word to say! My heart hurts for you and your family, especially at a time like this when others cannot join you physically. I hope that you can find solace in knowing how many loved him and know that we will be with you in spirit. May your faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus carry you through and may you be reminded, especially with the week to come, that he is in a place that simply knows no sorrow or pain and he is completely healed, he has kept the faith and he is home. May his memory be eternal. Simply loving you through... In Christian Love, Susie Kelleher

04/08/2020 04:24 pm

Andy and Hollis Sherman writes,

We are so sorry for the loss of a true gentleman. His memory and the family will be in our prayers.

04/08/2020 04:35 pm

1401 Council and Management lit a candle and writes,

Everyone at 1401 sends our deepest condolences to the Mantzavinos family

04/08/2020 04:48 pm

George and Elaine Righos writes,

Mary, we are very sorry to hear about Chris, Our hearts and our love and prayers go out to you and your family,

04/08/2020 05:38 pm

Manny Kanas writes,

Chris it was enjoyable knowing you and working with you in AHEPA Till we meet again May your memory be eternal

04/08/2020 06:09 pm

Ekaterini Riga lit a candle and writes,

Our condolences... Of the few times a talked to him, he had only nice and no g things to say.

04/08/2020 06:11 pm

John and Joanne Tarabicos lit a candle and writes,

To the entire Mantzavinos family we offer our deepest sympathy on your loss. John will miss the many conversations that they had, as well as his smiling face at church and the many Ahepa function that were attended over the years. Chris and his family has always been involved in supporting church functions and such a tribute to Chris and Mary to see his family giving their time to his church and organizations that he was a member. He will be dearly missed by us and we will always remember him in our hearts. John and Joanne Tarabicos

04/08/2020 06:26 pm

Dean & Toula Lomis writes,

Blessed be this wonderful and pleasant man, and our deepest sympathies to Mary, Spiro and family, and let his joyful manner be reminder to all of us how he lived and respected life. Αιωνία σου η Μνήμη, Χριστόδουλε!

04/08/2020 07:25 pm

The Lawson Family lit a candle and writes,

Mary, Spiro Megan and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

04/08/2020 07:43 pm

Francis Lally lit a candle and writes,

Spiros and family, our sincere condolences. Your father was a great man and influenced a generation to pursue justice and excellence. Fran

04/08/2020 09:12 pm

Kountouris cousins lit a candle and writes,

Thoughts from The Kountouris families cousins: Nicholas and Debbie, Alexandria (Tsangaris), Tina and John Melonakos, George and Heather and families. We send our deepest sympathy to our cousin Mary Kaitie, Spiros, Megan and girls. Extended family and friends. Heaven gained a special angel Chris Mantzavinos. May memories find you comforted in peace and contentment. A kind, loving man with such charisma that had all around him entertained with stories especially of his beloved Kephalonia. He'd charm all especially our Mother. He'd say Na ta poume? Chris adored his wife and family. He shared his pride and would say how Blessed he was. Love and prayers to the family. Zoe se sas. God Bless All. Rest in Peace Chris you'll be so missed.

04/08/2020 10:45 pm

Anna Marie lit a candle and writes,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Chris in this most difficult of times. Chris loved to share his life and was a story teller and I will miss our little encounters. I am sending love and prayers to the family. Peace and blessings from your neighbor Anna Marie in 206 - The 1401.

04/09/2020 08:32 am

Ted & Valerie Vittas writes,

Our deepest sympathies to the family for the loss of our beloved Chris. He was a kind person with a big heart. He was always a gentleman who carried himself with dignity and charisma. Eternal be his memory. Ted & Valerie Vittas Wayne, NJ

04/09/2020 08:53 am

Constantine and Maria Caras lit a candle and writes,

Dear Mary and family, we are so very sorry to learn of Chris' passing. We are blessed to have know him and will forever fondly remember his smiles and cheerful demeanor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eternal be his memory.

04/09/2020 09:17 am

Mary V. George lit a candle and writes,

May Our Lord send you comfort and ease the pain of his loss. He will be sorely missed. He was so proud of his son and his family. The sparkle in his eyes has gone but the memory will live on in our hearts. May his memory be eternal.

04/09/2020 11:34 am

Eleni Maravegias lit a candle and writes,

Dear Mary, Spiro and Family - our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed terribly by those of us who loved him. His kindness and positive outlook on things were evident always. Mom will miss him terribly with their regular phone conversations. Another large void in our lives. May he rest in peace.....he will always be in our hearts. Adamantia Lykiardopoulos. Sotirios Lykiardopoulos, Eleni Maravegias and Family.

04/09/2020 12:55 pm

Kathie Simmons lit a candle and writes,

So sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

04/09/2020 03:19 pm

Jim and Susanne Hussey lit a candle and writes,

Sending you and your family our sincere sympathy for the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you all.

04/09/2020 04:23 pm

Lazarus and Helen Kirifides lit a candle and writes,

Dear Mary, Spiro and Family, We’re very saddened to hear of Chris’ passing. He was truly a wonderful man with a ready smile and a warm greeting. We shall always remember him as a proud Greek American who always had a fascinating story to tell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

04/09/2020 05:48 pm

Victor Frangopoulos and Family writes,

I have such fond memories of our trips to Caldwell during the summer to visit Uncle Chris, Aunt Mary, Yiayia, and Spiro. When sitting around the dinner table we would have many laughs listening to Uncle Chris’ stories. He could recount things with amazing detail. I will always remember his smile. Although my Greek is not that strong, Uncle Chris would always give me the chance to figure out what he was saying before helping me out with the words I did not know. Be strong during these trying times. Uncle Chris. Say hi to my Dad and others up above. Keep your smile and watch upon us when needed.

04/09/2020 09:00 pm

Ted, Libby, George, & Diane Hantzandreou lit a candle and writes,

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Sending you our deepest sympathies. He will be truly missed.

04/10/2020 12:33 pm

Demetrios & Constantina Zerefos lit a candle and writes,

We were truly saddened to hear of your loss. He will be missed because he was a very kind and good spirited individual who was well liked by everyone. He is in a better place now where there is no pain or sorrow. Our deepest sympathies to his family and would like you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be eternal. May you live to remember him.

04/10/2020 03:20 pm

Joan Lestardo Miller writes,

We met Chris just last fall. We moved on the same floor in the condominium . He was so welcoming. He told wonderful stories of his life and family . He made the world brighter with his smile and sense of humor. He will be missed.

04/26/2020 09:10 pm

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