Louis Elias Vlahos' Obituary
Louis Elias Vlahos, 93, of Amherst, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2022, a beautiful Sunday morning, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Psari, Corinth, Greece on March 7, 1929, Louis graduated from mechanical school and served in the Greek Navy. In 1956, at the age of 27, he immigrated to the United States. At the time, he was one of 70 who arrived in New York under the 26-nation Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM). He joined his sponsor and settled in Lorain, Ohio, proudly becoming a US citizen in 1961, and residing in Amherst since 1969. He was employed by the Ford Motor Company in Lorain for 33 years, retiring in 1992.
Louis is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sophia (Fourlaris), with whom he had just celebrated 61 years of marriage. He is also survived by his beloved children, son Chris of Amherst and daughter Valerie (Stephen Madry) of Chicago, granddaughter Alanna Sophia Madry, Keith Merrill, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and other relatives. Louis was preceded in death by his parents Elias and Christina (Voudouris), brothers Kostas (Trisevyeni), Vasilios, and Georgios (Marika), sister Stimfalia (Mihalis), and nephew Chris Vlahos.
His retirement was filled with joy as he spent time with family, met his friends for coffee, enjoyed gardening, joined bowling leagues, and rooted passionately for the Cleveland Guardians, Browns, and Cavs. As a devoted grandfather to Alanna, he relished every moment with her and happily engaged in every activity his granddaughter asked him to do.
With a lifelong commitment to his Greek heritage and Greek Orthodox faith, Louis served proudly and devoutly as the cantor at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for 64 years, singing beautifully at church services, weddings, baptisms, and holy holidays. He also served in the choir and held many leadership roles on the Parish Council and AHEPA organization, and was an extraordinary volunteer for all church events and festivals. He was a true believer in his faith and church.
Louis will be greatly missed and remembered for his kindness, empathy, and love of family. We remember his wonderful smile and sense of humor, and his warm, good-hearted, and welcoming presence. He was personable and social and enjoyed exchanging stories and engaging in conversation. Louis loved music and dancing. He would be joined by Sophia in graceful partner dances and with people of all ages when he danced the traditional Greek dances, livening the room with his beautiful dancing and incredible spirit of joy.
Louis’s family wishes to extend their appreciation to Kelli Justice, Hedi Huebler, and Mercy New Life Hospice for their wonderful caregiving. May his memory be eternal.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 2, 2022, from 4pm to 7pm, at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road Amherst, Ohio. Trisagion Service will begin at 6:30pm. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 2000 Tower Blvd. Lorain, Ohio, with a visitation starting at 10:30am. Interment immediately following at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, 44805 North Ridge Road Amherst, Ohio. A memorial luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Lorain, Ohio. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.
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