Panagiotis Michael Sakellaris

Panagiotis Michael Sakellaris, known more affectionately by all as Panos Sakellaris, born in Vassara, Sparta, Greece on June 8, 1914, age 98, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully from cardiac arrest in North Quincy, MA on Wednesday.

Panos is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Areti Spiropoulou Sakellaris, his 4 children and their spouses who include Pota and Leonidas Pappas of Sharon Massachusetts, Helen and Peter Canellos of North Quincy Massachusetts, George and Caterina Sakellaris and Arthur and Vasiliki Sakellaris of Milton Massachusetts along with his 16 grandchildren with spouses and 14 great grandchildren. One of nine siblings he is survived by his sister, Metaxia Koufos of Vassara Sparta and two brothers; George Sakellaris of Melbourne Australia & John Sakellaris of Chicago Il.

Panos’ sweet and gentlemanly demeanor belied a young childhood punctuated by great acts of valor and heroism. He is a veteran of WWII and War of 1940 and was a much decorated member of the highly-skilled Greek Royal Guard: an elite cavalry squad of the King, assigned to the most dangerous tactical reconnaissance missions working to defeat Mussolini’s Italian forces. Years later, in Washington, D.C., and alongside Senator Bob Dole, Mr. Sakellaris was nominated to accept the “OXI DAY” Foundation’s prestigious “Greatest Generation” Award on behalf of all Greek veterans, recognizing them for their bravery. Nicknamed “The Last Horseman” in Greece, Mr. Sakellaris’ story became the subject of lore in a Mnimi Foundation publication of the same title and in a film documentary showcasing him as the last living Greek Cavalry war hero. Yet, despite his deep-held commitment to the duty and responsibility of serving his country valiantly, his impressive military feats are not the stories Panayiotis Sakellaris would choose to define his life. In fact, he minimized his brave deeds, as true heroes often do.  Panos represented the embodiment of the Greek spirit. Noble in two countries, a WWII veteran who gave service to his country for freedom and democracy, a humble and honest man with integrity, he educated and passed these qualities on to his children — his legacy will live on. Above all, his priorities were the things he treasured in life; his family and the new Greek Orthodox Church in Braintree that he was instrumental in motivating his family and community to build. When asked what he would like us to remember about how to live, he responded, “Believe in what you are doing and always do the best you can”

Visiting hours hours will be held Sunday afternoon February 3rd at St. Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, 119 Common Street, Braintree from 3:00-7:00pm. Funeral Services will be held Monday morning at 11:00am, February 4th at St. Catherine Church with internment to follow at Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Panagiotis’ memory to St. Catherine Church.