Theodore Christos Panagopoulos

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Theodore Christos Panagopoulos, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who departed this life on July 15, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on August 1, 1949, in Amygdalia, Arkadias in the Peloponnese region of Greece, Theodore was the cherished son of Christos and Aspasia Panagopoulos. He was one of six siblings and is now reunited with his dear brother and sister Dimitrios and Evgenia. He is survived by his loving brothers and sister Georgios, Panagiotis and Evangelia.

Theodore immigrated to the United States, where he built a beautiful life grounded in devotion to family and community. He shared a loving marriage with Leonora Panagopoulos, and together they raised two sons, Christos and Theodore Panagopoulos, who were his pride and joy. He welcomed Nichole Panagopoulos, his daughter-in-law, into the family with open arms and was a devoted Papou to his three adored grandsons — JT, Troy, and George. He also shared a close bond with his mother-in-law, Mary Pappas, whom he cared for dearly.

Theodore was a man of deep roots and simple pleasures. He loved fishing on the jetty in Manasquan, New Jersey, where he found peace and joy in the rhythm of the tides. He was a passionate New York Rangers fan, cheering every goal with lifelong enthusiasm. An avid tomato gardener, he nurtured his plants with the same dedication he gave to his family.

Above all, Theodore was most proud of the family he built and the legacy he leaves behind. His grandsons were the light of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to share their stories, cheer their successes, or simply sit beside them with pride in his heart.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor him by spending time with your loved ones, casting a fishing line into the sea, or planting a seedling that grows into something as beautiful as the gift of life.

May his memory be eternal.

Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη.

Theodore’s visitation will be on Sunday July 20th from 4:00-8:00PM at Gray Memorial Funeral Home, 12 Springfield Ave. Cranford. His funeral liturgy will begin at 11:00AM Monday July 21, 2025 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 250 Gallows Hill Road, Westfield. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, NJ.

Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences.

God Grant that I may live to fish until my dying day, And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray; When in the Lord's safe landing net I'm peacefully asleep, That in His mercy I be judged as good enough to keep.