Sotirios V. Papaefthemiou, 86, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon, Jan. 1, after a brief illness.
Papaefthemiou was born May 9, 1930, in Pentalofos, Greece. He immigrated to this country in 1957, settling in Haverhill. Husband of Adele (Mastrogianis) Papaefthemiou, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage, they raised a family together.
He spent his career as a self-employed contractor and property owner. Papaefthemiou worked tirelessly to bring his siblings and other family members to the United States from Greece for a better life. He enjoyed hosting large gatherings for family and friends at their home. He is a long-time member of the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church where he served as a Board of Director.
In addition to his wife Adele,family members include his sons, Christos Papaefthemiou and wife Colleen of Haverhill, Vasilios Papaefthemiou and wife Patricia of Groveland, and the late John Papaefthemiou who passed in 2000; grandchildren, Sotirios Papaefthemiou and wife Allison, Evan Papaefthemiou, Jocelyn Papaefthemiou and Brian Papaefthemiou; great-grandchildren Kaiden and Lilliana Papaefthemiou; sister in-law Chrysoula Papaefthemiou; and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Andrew Papaefthemiou, Zaharo Saita, Efthemia Benelas, Demetra Kontova and Efthemios Papaefthemiou.
His funeral is Thursday morning, Jan. 5, beginning at Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main St., Haverhill, at 10 a.m. Funeral service at Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter St., Haverhill, at 11 a.m. Burial follows in Linwood Cemetery.
Calling hours Wednesday in the funeral home are from 4 to 7 p.m..
Contributions may be made in Papaefthemious’s memory to the Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter St., Haverhill, MA 01830.