Theodore John Stratigos

Our very much loved and adored Theodore (Theo) John Stratigos fell asleep in the Lord, early morning Monday, February 8, 2021 at the very young age of 26. There are simply no words to express our unimaginable heartbreak over the loss of our gentle giant. Theo is our “Gift from God” – the literal translation of the name Theodore, and we know that our priceless gift is now with the Father. Our Theo, such an incredible son, brother, grandson, nephew, godson, and friend – your gentle, kind, sensitive, and beyond funny soul lives on in all of us, eternally.

Theo was born into this world, in Fresno, California, on a cold and foggy night. There were many family and friends there to greet him in the hospital that day, and these same family and friends now surround us as our angel is born into life everlasting. Our Theo was an active and devoted servant of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where he attended Greek School, danced and competed with the Greek folk dance group Kefi, volunteered at the annual Greek Festival, and was an annual camper at the St. Nicholas Ranch Camp in Dunlap, California.

At a young age, Theo discovered his passion for football and began playing Pop Warner at Forkner Elementary School. He continued to excel in the sport as he played football at both Tenaya Middle School and Bullard High School. In Theo’s junior year of high school, he joined the Bullard Rugby Club, which ultimately led him to a gap-year adventure following his graduation from Bullard High School. Theo lived and worked in Auckland, New Zealand for a year as a tutor and athletic coach at Dilworth School for Boys, where he was loved by his students, and where he made many friends from around the world. He explored all of New Zealand, North and South Islands, camped under the stars with his mates, learned how to drive on the left side of the road and never forgot that year – the experiences or the friendships – and had plans to return one day.

One of his most adventuresome memories of that year was when his Uncle George, also of blessed memory, came to visit him and took him to Tonga. What ensued was a week of the most incredible experiences, included spending time on very remote islands that barely had electricity, surviving a major earthquake, eating things that are not known to our American palates, climbing coconut trees and even acquiring a driver’s license from the Kingdom of Tonga. Theo spent a great deal of his life traveling, most often to Greece in the summer, to visit his beloved family in Athens, Aegina, and Tinos.

In his 26 years of life, Theo had seen the world.

Theo spent most of his adult years in the Bay Area, where his parents were born and raised, and where his grandparents and many other extended family reside. He attended the University of San Francisco and Dominican University in San Rafael, CA, while acquiring his real estate license and also working in property management. As much as he enjoyed the Bay Area and his close circle of friends that live there, Fresno was always home for him, and in August of 2020, he returned. He was excited to be back in his hometown and to reconnect with his longtime friends – it truly was the happiest we had ever seen him.

Theo had recently launched his own moving company, Strategos Movers, seeing great alignment with the real estate industry, and had created a business plan and strategy which was wise beyond his years. He was passionate about this venture and oversaw every detail, including the name of the business, which is a derivative of his last name, honoring the notable leaders of Greek history, such as Alexander the Great, King Leonidas, and Pericles, who were known for their leadership, strategy and efficiency – all hallmarks of his business.

No tribute to Theo is complete without noting his incredible sense of humor and his patented “Theo laugh” which often morphed into the most endearing giggle that was even distinguishable in a crowded room. His laugh, spirit, humor – all of these truly were what endeared him to so many, along with an amazing sensitivity which he was not ashamed to show. He gave the best “teddy bear” hugs known to man, making all feel so loved, assured, and protected.

His favorite hobby was cars – he loved everything about cars, and we all remember his first love – his Mustang, which he affectionately named “Susan.” He also recently took up sailing, earning his certification, and he had many memorable sails on the San Francisco Bay with his entire family and many friends.

Most importantly, Theo was the most dedicated and loving son and brother. We are heartbroken and devastated by our incredible loss, and yet we have no regrets. We loved openly and expressively – there were no unspoken words between us. The Stratigos family will always be a family of five and our children will always be a blessed trio.

Theo is survived by his ever-loving parents, John and Evangelia Lilika Stratigos of Fresno, CA; Sister, Eleni Stratigos of Boston, MA; Brother, Demetrios Stratigos of San Diego, CA; Grandparents, Demetrios and Irene Protopsaltis of Hayward, CA; Godfather and Uncle Spiro Stratogos (Mary Kay) of Novato, CA; Aunt Niki Brogger (Pete) of Novi, MI; Uncle Elias Protopsaltis of Hayward, CA; his first-cousins Adam Angelas, Dimitri Angelas, Alexander Angelas, Niko Stratigos, Sophia Stratigos, Kel Sumstad, Renna Protopsaltis, Demetrios Protopsaltis, and Olen Protopsaltis. He is also survived by many extended family in the United States and Greece. Theo was preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore and Helen Stratigos, and his Uncle George Stratigos.

“Only you are responsible for the success and failures in life. Put in the work to better yourself, only you can do it. Pay attention to everything because details matter, soak up info. Be present in life and help the people around you, don’t be selfish, think of others. It will be hard, that’s the point, the things you want won’t come easy. Invest in yourself and don’t quit because there’s a wall in front of you. The people in your life are a direct reflection of you. You might have to walk alone but have a purpose to do so. Possibility is based upon the investment you make in yourself. Fear is a motivator, not an obstacle, be fearful.” - Theo Stratigos, February 5, 2021

Details for Services:

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

2219 North Orchard Street

Fresno, CA 93703

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Visitation: 2:00PM - 6:00PM

Trisagion Service: 6:00PM

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Funeral Service: 10:00AM

Private Interment Immediately Following - Fresno Memorial Gardens

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Fresno, in memory of Theo. Link: St. George Greek Orthodox Church