Brooklyn-Athan Thanas, age 86, of Brooklyn, passed away at Hartford Hospital on August 11, 2021. He was born in Kalivia, Lamia, Greece on January 19, 1935 to the late Konstantine and Yiannoula (Diamondopoulos) Thanasouras. Athan married Irene C. Dillon (Deligiannis) on August 24, 1957. She predeceased him on August 27,2007.
He is survived by a son Constantine of Brooklyn, a daughter Yannoula Ballassi and her husband George of Waterford, a grandson Gregory and his fiancé Lauren of Norwich, and a granddaughter Amanda and her husband Kevin Harris of East Lyme. He was expecting his first great-grandchild in February of 2022. He is also survived by sister-in-law of Lamia and several cousins, nephews, nieces and godchildren. He is predeceased by seven brothers.
Athan proudly served on the crew of the Hellenic Navy Submarine, Poseidon (S-78). While training at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT he met his wife who worked in the Commanding Officers Administration. When he left the Navy, they settled in Norwich where he opened his first pizza shop, Pizzarama in the Greenville section. He later moved his business to Brooklyn, CT where he operated, Pizzarama, Dairy Kreme, Chickarama, Zorba’s Lounge and Constantine’s Restaurant. He retired after 40 years of entrepreneurship. He was a lifelong member of AHEPA. A former president of the Parish Council of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Danielson. He chaired many fundraisers, on the church’s behalf, earning him Man of the Year in 1977.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 247 Washington St. Norwich. Burial will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox 247 Washington Street, Norwich or Holy Trinity Church P.O. Box 236, Danielson. Please visit www.labenskifuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for Athan’s family.
