Constantine Nicholas Evgenides

Dyno was born November 14, 1933, in Dansville, New York, but spent most of his early life in Rochester, New York. He graduated from the University of Rochester (UR) with a BA in History. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force through AFROTC. While at the UR, he was a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity and lettered on the UR basketball team. Later, while on active duty, he received a Master’s Degree from George Washington University.

After commissioning, he attended Navigator and Radar Intercept Officer Training (RIO) in Texas. During his 30-year Air Force career, he qualified in the F-89 and F-101, as a Radar Intercept Officer. In Vietnam, he was a C-123 Navigator, dropping supplies to American and Vietnamese troops. Later, he was assigned to the Military Airlift Command (MAC), where he served the rest of his career, including three assignments to Scott AFB. He became a Master Navigator and flew throughout the world in the C-141 Starlifter. This included flying into Shanghai, China, during President Nixon’s historical 1972 visit to the People’s Republic of China. During his time in MAC, he also commanded a Field Maintenance and Aerial Port Squadron at McChord AFB, WA.

He retired in 1987 from the USAF as a Colonel. He earned numerous military decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. Upon retiring, he worked as a military contractor for Modern Technologies Corporation, now BAE Systems.

Throughout his career, Dyno was supported by the love of his life, Irene, and mother of his two sons. They shared 66 wonderful, adventurous years traveling the globe through their military assignments. In recent years, they enjoyed spending time with family and friends in the comfort of their home in O’Fallon, IL.

Dyno was active in Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Swansea, IL. He served on the Church Council and worked at many of their fundraisers. He also served on the O’Fallon Planning Commission for several years. He was also active in The Retired Officers Association and the Airlift Tanker Association.

He attributed his wonderful life to the women in his life. In his early years, his widowed mother and three older sisters provided him with love, guidance, and a strong family environment. Later in life, his amazing wife, Irene, shared with him her passion for life, gave him two beautiful sons, and a strong family life despite his many military absences. Then, their two sons married; and gave him the most wonderful daughters-in-law in the world and three wonderful grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Evgenides; three sisters, Loula Emerson, Helen Baker, and Vera Bellows.

He is survived by his wife, Irene (Vorobel); two sons, Nicholas and Molly (Langan) and Grandson, Dyno of Green Bay, WI: and Jason and Melissa (Burke) of O’Fallon, IL; Grandson Nicholas and Sydnie (Rinehart) of Springfield, MO; and Granddaughter, Kylie and Blake Stonecipher of Wildwood, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (405 Huntwood Road, Swansea, IL 62226).