Obituary of Elias Ioannis Aspras

Elias Ioannis Aspras, affectionately known as Λιο, was a hardworking and selfless family man who touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness and love. He passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, September 2, 2023.  

Elias was born to Ioannis and Anna Aspras on July 23, 1936. He grew up in Kasos, Greece with his five siblings.  At 14 years old, Elias already had years of experience of working on boats and supporting his family.  At such a young age, he made sure his family was taken care of and began his journey to America.  A pioneer, Elias was one of the first from Kasos to emigrate to New York and build his American dream with his family.  While making sure Elias held onto his Kassian roots, he worked hard and raised a beautiful family with his wife, Eugenia, as he was a loving and devoted family man.  Together with Eugenia, they raised their three children, Anna, Foula and John, as well as several grandchildren. A loving father and grandfather, his close-knit family was his greatest source of joy.  He instilled in them the values of hard work, resilience, and the importance of supporting one another. Known for his kind heart and compassionate nature, he had a heart of gold and was always there to lend a helping hand.  Elias’ family is heartbroken by the loss of their patriarch, but will continue to live by the lessons and morals Elias taught them by example.  

He is predeceased by his parents, Ioannis and Anna, and siblings, George, Foula and Pothiti. Elias is survived by his wife Eugenia, his children Anna (Vasilis), Foula (Mixalis), and John (Sevasti), his brothers, Mixalis and Emmanuel, his grandchildren, as well as countless nieces and nephews.  

A memorial viewing will be held at Riverdale Funeral Home on Sunday September 10, 2023, from 2-6 pm. Elias will be laid to rest in Kasos, Greece. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Church of Timiou Stavrou in Agia Marina, Kasos.  

Elias’ memory will forever stay in our hearts, touch our souls, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. 

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Με μεγάλη θλίψη αποχαιρετάμε τον σύζυγο και πατέρα μας, Ηλία Ιωάννου Ασπρά, έναν εξαιρετικό άνθρωπο. Ο Ηλίας απεβίωσε το Σάββατο 2 Σεπτεμβρίου 2023, στη Νέα Υόρκη.

Γιος του Ιωάννη και της Άννας  Ασπρα, ο Ηλίας γεννήθηκε στις 13 Ιουλίου 1936. Μεγάλωσε στην Κάσο με τα πέντε αδέρφια του πριν μετακομίσει στην Νέα Υόρκη. Με την σύζυγό του, Ευγενία, δημιούργησαν μια όμορφη και αγαπημένη οικογένεια. Μεγάλωσαν τα τρία παιδιά τους, Άννα, Φούλα και Γιάννη και κάμποσα εγγόνια. 

Ένας στοργικός πατέρας και παππούς, η οικογένεια του ήταν η μεγαλύτερη χαρα του. Τους ενστάλαξε την αξία της σκληρής δουλειάς και της αλληλοϋποστήριξης. 

Ο Ηλίας ξεχωρίζει για πολλά, αλλά προπάντων για την καλόκαρδη συμπεριφορά του. Ένας δραστήριος και πρόσχαρος άνθρωπος κέρδισε δίκαια την εκτίμηση και αγάπη όσων τον ήξεραν. 

Η οικογένεια του Ηλία θα συνεχίσει να ζει με τα μαθήματα και το ήθος που τους δίδαξε ο πατριάρχης με το παράδειγμα του. 

Αντί για λουλούδια η οικογένεια παρακαλεί να γίνουν δωρεές στην εκκλησία του Τιμίου Σταυρου  στην Αγία Μαρίνα της Κάσου.