James “Tyke” Bizios, 89, World War II, Korean Veteran

james_biziosJames “Tyke” Bizios, 89, of Haverhill, died Sunday morning, Sept. 18, at Holy Family Hospital, Methuen, after a brief illness.

He was born in Haverhill, Jan. 12, 1927, son of the late John and Bessie (Pourikas) Bizios. Educated in the Haverhill school system, Bizios had enough credits prior to graduation ceremonies, so he withdrew from school and joined the Merchant Marines during World War II. He earned the Atlantic War Zone Medal, Pacific War Zone Medal and the Mediterranean Middle East War Zone Medal. After being honorably discharged from the Merchant Marines after 18 months of service, he immediately enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army he was assigned to the field artillery and was sent to Japan. Upon being honorably discharged he earned a World War II Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal of Japan. At the end of World War II he attended Franklin Technical Institute, Boston, for three semesters and left to join his father in the local shoe industry. When the Korean War broke out he re-enlisted in the Army, serving for an additional two years and attained the rank of staff sergeant.

He was employed by the former Public Finance Co., of Haverhill where he was the manager of the Lowell and Gloucester offices. Until his retirement in 1988 he was employed as the finance manager at various local car dealerships including Means Chevrolet, Ipswich, Best Buick, Haverhill and Frank Yanco’s. Manchester, N.H. He and his wife traveled the world, visiting casinos, while he enjoyed his favorite pastime, shooting craps. He was also an avid thoroughbred horse racing fan having traveled up and down the East Coast attending races, as well as a passionate New England Sports fan. Bizios was a lifelong member of Holy Apostles Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Haverhill.

His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Jane (Denault) Bizios of Haverhill; two daughters, Nancy Debitetto and her husband Mark of Groveland, and Sandra Allen and his son in-law Steve Allen of Haverhill; three grandsons, Matthew, Michael and Niko;  brother, T. John “Lakey” Bizios of Windham, N.H.; sister-in-law, Armeny Bizios of Haverhill; niece Charla Bizios Stevens; and nephew John Bizios. He was also the brother of the late Hector “Middy” Bizios and Effie Theoharis. The family thanks the staff of Holy Family Hospital in Methuen for exceptional care in his final weeks of life.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. His funeral takes place Wednesday morning, Sept. 21, beginning at 10, at the funeral home followed by a service at 11, in Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter St., Haverhill. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in his memory may be made to Holy Apostles Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter St., Haverhill, Ma 01830 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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