Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 3, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Theodore George Karapanos, faithful to God, his family, and friends was called home at the age of one hundred on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.  He was born on September 23, 1921 in Kapsia, Greece, the fourth child of Efrosyni George and George Kosta Karapanos.  Theodore “Papou” is lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Theodore lived with his parents, seven brothers and two sisters on the family-owned farmland that he operated until the age of 18.  In 1939 when World War II began, he enlisted in the Greek Army where he was entrusted as the treasurer for troop funds.  Theodore ultimately received a national memorial medal for his participation in the Hellenic People’s Army of Liberation, the Greek resistance force against the occupation.  Theodore and his family who were instrumental in dissuading German soldiers from burning and pilfering Kapsia.

Following the war, Theodore and Demetra Gianikas married on November 12, 1958 in Kapsia. Together with their three children, they followed family and moved to Charlotte, NC in 1967. The family joined the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and have been faithful members ever since.  Culinarily inclined, Theodore worked as a restaurateur for many years.  First working as a chef at Open Kitchen, then later opening a family operated restaurant called North 29.

Theodore enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling to Greece, gardening vegetables and flowers in the yard, cooking for his family, and being with his beloved companions Ebony and Zoe.  Being highly respected in the community of Kapsia, the bells of the Agios Nikolaos church honorarily rang out to announce the passing of Theodore and they are scheduled to sound again at the beginning of his funeral service.

Celebrating his devoted life are his beloved wife, Demetra; George and Angela Karapanos, Gus Karapanos and Jeff Harwood, Effie and Chris Burlos; his grandchildren, Amanda Karapanos, Kristina and James Craven and Annastasia Burlos and his great-grandchild, Kennedy Efrosyni Craven.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with Fr. Vasileios Tsourlis officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  Masks are required for those in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Theodore to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Attn: Chapel Furniture Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.