Ziamandanis, Costas J. "Gus Z"

COLONIE — Costas James Ziamandanis, (known by all as Gus Z), 92 of Albany, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 29, 2021.

Gus was born in Albany, on January 28, 1929, the son of the late James and Sultana Ziamandanis. He attended P. S. #7, Philip Livingston Junior High and Christian Brothers Academy. Gus had an adventurous spirit and at a young age enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 serving as a radarman aboard the USS Leonard F. Mason and USS Juneau. He started his civilian career in 1950 with Niagara Mohawk, and in 1959 Gus started his own business, Gus Z Associates, a sales rep firm specializing in heating systems where he never stopped working. Gus was a loving husband to Victoria E. Ziamandanis; father to Eileen Cusick (Paul), Gail Ziamandanis (Robert), Debra Devine (Eugene) and Stephen Ziamandanis (Claire). He also leaves behind his second set of kids, Thomas Pleat (Joy) and Kim Musella (John). He was tremendously proud of his 13 grandchildren – Megan, Alex, Kaylei, Rachel, Adrianne, Grace, Madeline, Dennis, Victoria, Alexa, Mckenzie, Tommy and Madison; and his two great-granddaughters, Riley and Maggie. Gus is also survived by his sister, Virginia Cholakis; and predeceased by sister Helen Papazissis;, and brother John Ziamandanis. He also leaves behind numerous beloved nieces and nephews, as well as close family in Greece.

Gus and Vickie spent winters in Lauderdale-by-the Sea, Fla. where they hung out with the Albany gang. Known for his love of Saratoga Race Course, he never missed an opening day since 1950. He was an avid handball player, where he played his last game at 92 years old. Friday nights were reserved for his regular dinners with his lifelong friends, known as the Dirty Dozen, where he arrived proudly in his older model Lincoln Town Car with his signature “Gus Z” license plate. He was a longtime member of Albany Country Club, Order of the Masonic Temple, St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church and president of the St. Markos Society. While board