Athanasios G. Kotzias, 77, of Kingston

Athanasios G. Kotzias, 77, of Kingston, died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at HealthAlliance Hospital, Broadway Campus.

Born in Newark, N.J., he was the son of the late George and Telesia Kotzias.

Athanasios, known as Tom to everyone who had the privilege to know him, is survived by his wife of 44 years, Adamantia (Diane) Kotzias of Kingston; his son, George A. Kotzias of Kingston; his daughter, Chrysanthe Cholakis and her husband Christopher of Slingerlands, N.Y.; his adored grandson, Athanasios (Thano) Cholakis; and his sister, Constance (Connie) Fountas and her husband Dino of Bellmore, N.Y.

Tom served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1962-1965 and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed telling the story of going to Korea with a layover in Alaska where tears froze to his face as soon as he walked off the airplane. The only pain greater than that cold day in Alaska was when his beloved Mets lost, which was far more often than he could bear.

After his military service, Tom earned a master’s degree from SUNY New Paltz, having studied Physics and Mathematics. He went on to teach for several years before becoming a restaurateur. He and his wife Diane retired in 2001 after owning Kacey’s Family Restaurant in Saugerties, N.Y., for over 10 years.

Tom will always be remembered for his kind heart, warm and long embraces, and love for family and friends. He loved his wife, his children, and grandson more than anything except his church. His faith in God was unwavering as evidenced by his many years of service to his church, St. George, as a cantor and a member of the Parish Council.

Athanasios will be reposing at Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave., on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Trisagion service will take place at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral procession will form from the funeral home on Thursday at 9 a.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 294 Greenkill Ave., Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Interment, with military honors by JoyceSchirick Post 1386 Color Guard, will follow in Montrepose Cemetery.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 294 Greenkill Ave., Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Athanasios (Tom) by visiting www.SimpsonGaus.com.