Eugene Fotos passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on April 17, 2017. He was born in Sacramento to Greek immigrants on September 4, 1932. He was 84. Eugene graduated from Sacramento High School and earned his business degree as part of the first graduating class of Sacramento State College in 1954. Eugene served in the U.S. Army in Korea, was a Real Estate Appraiser for 44 years, and served as President of the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers. Eugene was devoted to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and was an active member of the church virtually all his life. He was a member of the Parish Council from 1961-1971, and at the age of 32, was the youngest person to serve as Parish Council President. Eugene started the Annunciation Greek Food Festival in 1964, which is still going strong after 53 years. He served eight times as General Chairman, and held numerous other committee chairmanships. Eugene was General Chairman of Sacramento's International Day, a segment of the week-long Sacramento Camellia Festival in 1968. He was very proud that Greece was chosen as the "Honored Nation" during the downtown parade. Eugene started the parish's first monthly publication, "The Annunciation", in 1971 and was a beloved member of the church choir since 1946, interrupted only by his ser-vice in the military. He was also a member of the Annunciation Senior League. For over 20 years, Eugene voluntarily photographed special church services, church sponsored social events and activities. He estimated that he took no less than 30,000 photos. He further estimated that the time spent in selecting, cutting and pasting together his famous panoramic photos took over 3,000 hours. A member since 1946, Eugene served as Supreme National President of the Greek American Progressive Association (GAPA) for nine years (1997-2006). He chaired three National GAPA Conventions in Sacramento and chaired the GAPA District Conventions in the early 1960s. He attended more than 16 national GAPA conventions, including one held in Athens, Greece in 1968. As Supreme President in 1997, he was invited to the Western-States Orthodox Banquet honoring the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Eugene's humor and quick wit made him a legendary public speaker who was never at a loss for words. His energy and tireless commitment to the Greek community will be greatly missed. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Despo Fotos, brother Manual (Ruseta) Fotos, and sister Fotine (Chris) Jovalis. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, of nearly 60 years, brother Demetre (Rosie) Fotos, and sisters Mary (Tony) Stathos and Antonia Fotos. He is also survived by his sons, Dan Fotos and Cary (Brenda) Fotos, daughter Dessie (Charles) Pantages, and granddaughters Sophia Fotos and Carol Pantages, as well as several nieces and nephews. The Trisagion Service is Sunday, April 23, at 7:00pm. The funeral will be held on Monday, April 24, at 10:00am, both at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 600 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Annunciation Greek Church Building Fund, 600 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816.
Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.
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