Ted Stathakis

Ted Stathakis, 99, our dearest father and friend to many passed away on August 19, 2021.  Dad was born to Greek immigrant parents and was the second youngest and last surviving of nine children.  Born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas he joined the Army after graduating from Little Rock High School.  He enlisted in 1940 and in 1943 was appointed to Officers Candidate School.  In 1944 he was shipped out for overseas duty to Guadalcanal.  In 1945 he was promoted to captain and served as Camp Adjutant until his discharge in 1946.

During his service years and before his deployment he married his high school sweetheart.  Dad said losing Helen was the saddest day of his life. They raised two children in Jamestown, New York.  After moving to Naperville, Illinois in 1970 Dad became the Chief Executive Officer of the Actuary Department of a large commercial finance corporation in Chicago.  After retiring they enjoyed traveling to Italy, Greece, Spain and Panama. With Mom’s health failing they moved to Salt Lake City in 2007.  Dad visited Mom daily during the five years she was in the nursing home.  Dad was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church.

Since 2018, he has resided at the Christoffersen Veterans Home in Salt Lake City.  He even had Covid last May and survived.  Bound to a wheelchair but not to inactivity he participated in many of the activities provided by the Veterans Home including skiing for the first time at the age of 98!  He loved it so much that he went two more times. He had been fishing on Strawberry Reservoir just 3 weeks ago and came back with a big smile and fish story.  Dad was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles and last but not least had an infectious smile and positive attitude.

He is survived by his daughter Vivian and son Peter, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

We want to thank Jenny (his favorite) and all the wonderful caregivers at the Christoffersen Veterans Home for their care and support over the years.  You all have a special place in our hearts.  We would also like to thank Canyon Hospice and Visiting Angels who helped Dad in his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 East 3300 South, SLC on September 26, 2021 at 11:30am.  Donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church General Building Fund.

Condolences may be posted for the family at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com