Worcester - Theophilos "Ted" Raptis, 70, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016. In 1960, an American Dream started for a 16-year-old boy emigrating from Greece. Theophilos 'Ted' Raptis was the son of the late Gregory and Efthimia (Scopas) Raptis, brother of George Raptis, the late Markos Raptis, and Helen Kitsilis, wife of Thomas Kitsilis- all from Epirus, Greece. Upon arriving to Worcester, he fully embraced the spirit of America and was immediately driven to work hard in the pursuit of happiness. He studied at Commerce HS then later met and fell in love with the late Ms. Nancy Ellen Witko, a native of Worcester. He served his country with the US Army National Guard during the Vietnam War and was the first in his family to attend college. He earned degrees at both QCC and Clark University in 1968. That same year, he married Nancy at St. Spyridon's Greek Orthodox Church and had 3 children-Erik J Raptis, Philip G Raptis, Nicole D Raptis. He was always a thoughtful and inquisitive man with a passion for learning. He emphasized the value of education to everyone around him. All of his children earned degrees from prestigious universities. His first job was in payroll/sales at American Data Systems and Burrough's. He was a very ambitious man. He established many businesses and later became an entrepreneur working in real estate. He worked extremely hard to provide the best life possible for himself and his entire family. He took pride in his community and actively participated in philanthropic efforts and mentoring new immigrants in Worcester.
His thirst for knowledge was evident through his constant reading whether it was keeping up with with current events or reading up on history. He valued health and exercised regularly.
He was truly an ancient Greek living in modern times and in line with a Greek tragedy, this father, mentor and noble hero to many, needlessly lost his life in a horrific accident when he was struck by a motor vehicle crossing Shrewsbury St just steps from his front door. He was taken at 70 yrs young, still living life enthusiastically, with zest and independence. He recently traveled to Australia to visit family and was scheduled to help more family next month in Greece. All in anticipation of a forthcoming first grandchild.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, March 31 from CALLAHAN FAY CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street with a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday, March 30 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to M.A.D.D. Mothers Against Drunk Driving.