1917 - 2018
Steven Politis was born January 11, 1917 in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Sofronius and Evangeline Politis. He was only three years old when he lost his five-year-old brother Nicholas, and fourteen when he lost his father. He became the man of the house for his mother and sister Katherine, and worked from a very young age, even while attending the prestigious Stuyvesant High School. His brilliant math-science mind was already evident.
World War II saw Steve become a hero many times over. He was a communications expert and has received numerous combat and service medals, including three Purple Hearts. If you knew Steve at all, you’ve heard WWII stories.
Steve’s occupations included aerospace engineer, civil engineer, electrical engineer, State Examiner for California Electrical Engineers, and physics and higher math teacher.
Steve married the love of his life, Espie, in September 1951, and they moved to California. There they raised Nick and Libby, and welcomed grandchildren Zachary and Daniel Politis, and Julia, Rita and Paul Hanson, with great love and affection. Sadly, Espie passed away in 2003 after 51 years of marriage. Steve was 85 years old and didn’t think he’d live much longer without her.
But God had other plans, and Steve had another chapter in his life. He used his teaching expertise as a volunteer teaching algebra to gifted fifth graders and taking them to math competitions. He did this for ten years… starting at age 88. He joined Wings Over Wendy’s, a club for veterans and active servicemen and women from every branch of service. And he became a fixture at Operation Gratitude, donating his time and resources to send care packages to our troops overseas, their families, and first responders.
He lived independently for more than 100 years, still driving, volunteering, teaching, and entertaining us all. Steve celebrated his 101st birthday in January 2018, and passed peacefully on February 25, 2018.
Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Gratitude. www.operationgratitude.com
He will truly be missed.
May his memory be eternal. Eonia i mnimi.
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