PORTLAND - Stavros Elias Shamos (Steve) passed away peacefully in his home on December 18, 2012. He was born in Politasani, Albania in 1921, the eldest of three children and the only son of Marigo (Economous) and Elias Shamos. At the age of fifteen, he immigrated to the United States to join his father in Brockton, Massachusetts. He served in WWII for four years, stationed in England, and returned to live in Portland on Vannah Avenue, where he has resided for over 65 years.
Steve married Melpomeni Boufides in 1947, also born in Politsani, and they lived a blessed life as partners for almost 67 years. Together, they raised three children and have been fortunate to be active in the lives of their 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Steve owned and operated The Quality Shop on Stevens Avenue in Portland for his whole working career, expanding the business to include his son, who owns it to this day. A local icon in Deering Center, many people knew Steve as a hard worker who ran his business as a perfectionist and a gentleman.
Active in the Greek communities of Portland and Brockton, MA, he enjoyed many happy “name days” and Epirotika festivals. Steve was involved in his Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, serving many years on their board of trustees and other committees throughout his life.
Together with his wife and children, he traveled to many places in the world including Greece, and a special trip to his homeland village of Politsani in 1996. Steve retired at the age of 57 and later bought a second home in West Palm Beach, Florida where he and Melpo enjoyed more than 25 winters, entertaining family and friends.
Steve had many wonderful friends in his life but his family always came first. As a husband, brother, father, “Pappou”, Uncle, and Godfather, he taught his family to always be there for each other, watch their pennies, and appreciate each precious moment in life. He always said that he was a lucky man having lived a wonderful life.
In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by his son, Michael, his wife, Vicki of Portland; and his daughter, Elaine Shamos of Hanover, NH. His eight grandchildren include: Carrie Shamos of Portland, Eli Shamos, his partner, Rae Thompson of Los Angeles, CA, Leah Twitchell of Brunswick, Andrew Shamos, his wife, Ashley, and daughter Ruby Mae of Standish, Theanna Twitchell, her partner, Brian Pramick of Portland, Alex Gaylor, his wife, Andrea of Brandon, VT, Noah Twitchell of Oakand, CA and his step-grandchild, Thane Gaylor of San Francisco, CA. He also leaves his sister, Rhea Williams and her children, Becki Smith and Esther Pliss of Portland; his sister Kasiani Paras and her children, Leta Paras of Portland, and James Paras of Gorham; his brother-in-law, Nick Boufides, his wife, Truly of Canton, MA and their children, Dina Crnkovich of Winnetka, IL and Kecia Muller of Ridgefield, CT; and his godchild, Jim Venetos of Los Angeles, CA.
His daughter, Marie Shamos Twitchell predeceased him in 2005.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, Dec. 21, from 2- 4 pm and 6 – 8 pm, with Trisagion service at 7 pm at Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, Dec. 22 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 155 Pleasant St., in Portland. Burial will follow at Forest City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 155 Pleasant St., Portland, Me., 04101, or the VNA Home Health & Hospice, 50 Foden Rd., Suite 3, South Portland, Me. 04106.
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