Demetrios Roumeliotes
November 1, 1934 - June 25, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Demetri Roumeliotes. Demetri died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 25, 2022 in Redwood City, California at the age of 87.
Demetri was born on November 1, 1934 in the village of Skalohori on the Greek island of Lesvos. In 1947, at the age of 12, his family emigrated from Greece to Greenwood, South Carolina. The family eventually resettled in Haverhill, Massachusetts. After completing his education, duty called. Demetri joined the army. He served in Germany and in the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. After his service, Demetri made a career choice. He opened Mr. James Hair Salon in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he became a very sought-after stylist. He was there until 1966; after which time, he moved to California. He and his wife Valerie purchased a home in Belmont, where they raised their family and shared lifelong memories to this day. An expression that Demetri loved to share with family and friends was, “In California you come to LIVE!”
Demetri owned a successful hair salon in Menlo Park, California, a perfect site for his charismatic and energetic personality. He was a gifted artist and very passionate about his work and craft, establishing many close friendships by continuing to care for his clients, many of whom remained loyal to him for more than 50 years.
A scratch golfer, Demetri not only enjoyed playing the game but also found joy training and instructing many friends over the years. He truly wanted to see people improve their game. Just a few months prior to his passing, Demetri attended the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, an event he enjoyed going to every year.
Another passion of Demetri’s was music and dance, and what a superb dancer he was! Mr. Life of the Party would command the dancefloor, whatever the occasion, and always with that infectious smile on his handsome face. Demetri epitomized a life well-lived. To say that he will be missed is truly an understatement.
Demetri is survived by Valerie, his loving wife of 52 years. He leaves behind 2 sons: Charles (Kate Kroloff) & Greg Roumeliotes; 2 daughters: Stefanie Roumeliotes (John Costouros, M.D.) & Athena Roumeliotes (Bill Bissonette); 3 grandchildren: Arianna Roumeliotes, Gia & James Costouros; 2 sisters: Despena Spiliotis (Paul) & Helen Cristaldi (Al); his aunt Maria Karapanagiotis of Athens, Greece; sister-in-law Jan Petrou; nephew Charles Spiliotis; niece Alexis Cristaldi; and many cousins. Demetri was predeceased by his parents Athena & Efstratios and 2 brothers, George & Anthony.
Funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA. Interment will be held at 12pm on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at St. Helena Cemetery, 2461 Spring St., St. Helena, CA.