Theodore I. Tsiskakis

1941 – 2017

Springfield – Theodore I. Tsiskakis, 75, beloved husband of Chrysoula(Theodorakis) for 46 years, entered into eternal peace on January 4, 2017 surrounded by his loving family and the Rev. Father Chris Stamas.    Teddy was born and raised in Blithias, Crete, Greece where at an early age worked as a Merchant Marine for many years until he met his wife and came to the United States in 1970.  He worked at the Storm Drop Forge Company for 25 years until his retirement in 2003.  One of his greatest passions was his gardening.  He spent countless hours nurturing the most abundant and delicious produce which he loved to share with his friends.  He also enjoyed and looked forward to the daily meetings of his "coffee club" where he discussed current events, exchanged  stories, and reminiscing.    Teddy was quite the handyman, who was willing to help anyone with a project.  He was a man of quiet strength and deep compassion.  He thoroughly enjoyed his granddaughters, always keeping up with their activities and accomplishments, creating individual relationships with each of them.  They loved spending time with Papou gardening, watching Greek television, and listening to his stories of his travels around the world.  A loving husband, proud and caring father, grandfather, uncle and friend he will be missed by so many people who had the honor of knowing him.  He leaves his wife of 46          years Chrysoula (Theodorakis) Tsiskakis; a son John of Springfield; a daughter Anna Callahan and her husband Michael of West Springfield; three granddaughters Arianna, Marina and Sofia.  He also leaves his siblings Eleni Papailiakis and Koula Mastorakis of Greece; his cousin Tony Zouridakis of Feeding Hills; and many beloved nieces and nephews in America as well as in Greece.  He was predeceased by his parents Ioannis and Ioanna(Sifogiorgakis) Tsiskakis, his two brothers Mihali and Manoli Tsiskakis of Crete, Greece and many sisters in law and brothers in law from such a large extended family.  Family and friends are asked to meet at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral for the funeral Mass, Monday January 9, 2017 at 11:00am followed by burial in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be held at the West Springfield Curran-Jones Funeral Home Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00pm.  For online condolences please visit curranjones.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint George Cathedral Building Fund Committee, 22 St. George Road, Springfield, MA 01104.