Attorney Charles Sofokles Tsouprake, 82, of New Bedford, died Saturday, October 23, 2004, surrounded by his loving family. He was the widower of Elizabeth Clark Tsouprake; they were joyously married 50 years.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Charles Michael Tsouprake and Irene Loutsakous Tsouprake. He was the first Greek American attorney in New Bedford and practiced there for 51 years until his retirement in 2002. He wrote the original charter for the union of New Bedford gas company employees in the first years of his career. He successfully represented this union before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1974. At various times in his career, he acted as an assistant District Attorney in Bristol County. He was highly regarded for his legal acumen and integrity within the legal community.
One of the leading football figures from New Bedford during the late 30's and 40's, Charlie Tsouprake was an All-Bristol County Center while playing for New Bedford High in 1939. He then attended Western Maryland College on a full scholarship where he played Varsity football for two seasons. Charlie then entered the Army Air Corps during World War II and, upon his discharge, continued his studies at Brown University. While at Brown University he played baseball due to an injury received in the service. He was an Honors graduate from Brown University.
He was the assistant football coach at Attleboro High in 1944 while he was attending Brown University. The following year he was appointed head coach at Attleboro High School. He also assisted in developing and coached the first football team at the old New Bedford Textile School.
In 1949 Charlie earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami Law School. That fall he was named temporary assistant coach to Win Dodge at New Bedford High. After the football season he dropped from the coaching ranks to study for his bar exam, which he passed, and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1951. His last coaching assignment was in 1974 as an assistant coach for New Bedford High School.
Charlie also coached the Fairhaven Varsity Club to the Southeastern Massachusetts semipro title back in the early 50's. He continued to attend luncheons of the Murphy Club, created in the 50's to honor a favorite football coach.
Charlie as an avid golfer. He was known for his joy and sense of humor on the golf course. His favorite partner was his wife Betty. Together they won many competitions at the Country Club of New Bedford .
Perhaps his greatest gift was his approach to life. He never focused on negativity but saw only possibilities for the future. He opened his heart and home to the family and friends he loved. He will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his children, Dodie T. McPhee, Charles P. Tsouprake, Elizabeth A. Tsouprake, Marjory T. Bernard, and Edward R. Tsouprake; his grandchildren, Jarrett R. McPhee, Sayward E. McPhee, Areth E. Tsouprake and Noah C. Tsouprake; his sister and brothers, Katie Dustin, George Tsouprake, Atty. Ted E. Tsouprake and Col. Peter Tsouprake, U.S.A.F. Ret.; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Ann Acksen and the late Mac Tsouprake.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday at 11:30 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His family will receive visitors from 10-11:30 AM prior to the service.