In Memoriam: Gregory Halkides

From Bosak Funeral Home.

Gregory Halkides, 80, a longtime resident of Stamford, and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 6, 2015 with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Trilofos, Greece on February 22, 1935 to the late Dimitrios and Helen Halkides.

Gregory came to the United States from Greece in 1956 when he was 21 years old. He came to the United States in hopes of making a better life for himself and in that regard he was extremely successful. To support himself he had multiple jobs before working for U.S. Prolam, who he stayed with for 28 years. He was also a self-taught carpenter who relied on those skills over the course of the last 30 years. He was always quick to help anyone who needed it and he took great pride in the work that he did.

In his younger days his true passion was playing soccer. He was an elite player and through the years he played for many different teams. In fact, Gregory met his beloved wife, Laura Schneider, at the German club when he was playing for a German soccer team.

He was known for having a green thumb and for planting his beautiful gardens over the past 50 years. He also enjoyed playing golf and going to Florida for the winters. Above all else, Gregory lived for the love of his family. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Gregory is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Laura (Schneider) Halkides; his daughters, Diane Halkides LaRoche and Nicole Halkides; his grandchildren Ronald LaRoche III (Shannon), Samantha Kiley LaRoche (Ashley) and Gregory LaRoche, his two great grandsons; Ronald LaRoche IV and Braden LaRoche and his brother, Anastasios Halkides.

In addition to his parents, Gregory was preceded in death by his sister, Rosie.

Gregory will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

The Halkides family will receive the sympathy of friends and family on Friday, December 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Ave., Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 12, at 10 a.m at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Ave., Stamford. At the request of the family the interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a memorial donation to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, P.O. Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897, www.visitingnurse.net, or to the American Liver Foundation, 127 Washington Ave. #9, West Haven, CT 06473, www.liverfoundation.org/howtohelp.