Constantine "Charles/Kosta" Arvanites of New Bedford, died on July 22, 2014 at Sacred Heart Home at the age of 84, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was the son of the late Antonios Efstratios Arvanites and Paraskevoula (Soumbasis) Arvanites who settled in New Bedford from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Charles was the fourth of their seven children.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Charles attended the New Bedford Public Schools and enlisted in the United States Air Force at the young age of 17. He served his country for seven years during the time of the Korean War, initially being stationed in Savannah, Georgia, followed by a tour of duty in England, at which time he was trained under General Curtis LeMay. Following his discharge from the U.S. Air Force, Charles was employed by the United States government, operating warehouses in both New Bedford, MA and Davisville, RI, for 38 years.
Charles enjoyed coin collecting, gardening, and spending time with his family. He was much adored by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, for whom his love was endless. His dog, King, was his faithful companion for many years.
Charles leaves behind two brothers, Louis Arvanites of New Bedford, and Peter Arvanites and his wife Jimmie of Virginia; one sister, Florence Hall of Sandwich; sister-in-law Brenda Arvanites of New Bedford, and nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Steven Arvanites, Mary Boucher, and Olga Xiarhos, and brother-in-law of the late Stephen Hall, George Xiarhos, Jeannette Arvanites, and Norman Boucher.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25th at 10 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Cross Road, Dartmouth, followed by burial in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. Visitation Friday morning from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Donations may be made in Constantine's memory to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 79411, Dartmouth, MA 02747. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.