Thomas Stratis

PORTLAND – Thomas Stratis passed away on May 30, 2025, from cancer. He was born on Oct. 12, 1944, in the village of Lia, Epirus Greece. His parents were Dimitri Stratis and Despoula Gatzogiannis. He had three brothers, Taki, Teddy and Paul. All are deceased, Teddy actually passed away 18 hours after hearing the news of Tom’s passing. In 1956 his father came to the United States sponsored by Christos Gatzogiannis, he worked for two years to earn the money for a home and boat tickets to bring Despoula and their boys to the U.S. for a life of more opportunity.

As a young adult in Worcester, Mass., Thomas worked washing dishes, delivering bread, and at house of pizzas with cousins, bringing money home to his family. He would teach the teenagers of Worcester soccer, insisting that someday soccer would be popular in the U.S. He and his brother Teddy were on the first Worcester Nike soccer team in the Boston League in 1963. As described by one of his cousins recently, Tom was a rebel with a loving heart.

Tom loved his family, Greek heritage especially the music and dancing, Opa! Despoula’s cooking, and soccer. In that order. He and his first wife Emily Lekas established Wellesley House of Pizza in the early 70’s before moving to Scarborough and buying Boone’s Restaurant in 1977. He spent years coaching his sons in Scarborough’s Youth Soccer Program. In 1986 Tom remarried Tina Gikas. They were heavily involved at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, organizing and working festivals in the 80’s and 90’s.

In 2007 Tina passed away at 59, Tom never spiritually recovered, but his loving heart was focused on his five grandchildren. His pride and joy. Tom will be missed, a bit stubborn but he had a charm and charisma that was uncanny. A lover of life, generosity, work hard and play hard. Thomas Stratis is survived by his son Paul, grandchildren Aleco, Tommy, and Caroline. His son William and his wife Karen, grandchildren Damara and Nikko. Pappou will be missed, love you.

Service will be this Friday, June 6, 11 a.m., at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St. Portland. Followed by the burial at Forest City Cemetery, 232 Lincoln St., South Portland, facilitated by Hope Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church; htrinityportland.org