ANDOVER-Charles J. Tanionos, 87, of Andover, passed away Saturday, May 8th at Saints Medical Center in Lowell surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Helen (Woulas) Tanionos; a daughter, Penelope McGarry and her husband William of Andover; two sons, John A. Tanionos of East Sandwich and Nicholas Tanionos and his wife Anastasia of Saunderstown, RI; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. His brother, Steve Tanionos and his sister, Anne Tanionos predeceased him.
Mr. Tanionos was born in Springfield, the son of John and Katina (Heras) Tanionos. He grew up in Southbridge and graduated as valedictorian from the Cole Trade School. Mr. Tanionos was a graduate of Worcester Junior College and Clark University. He later moved to Worcester, where he lived for over 50 years. He worked at the American Optical Company in Southbridge for many years, was a purchasing agent for the Norton Company and later worked for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Mr. Tanionos was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in WWII. He was a member of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and had served on its parish council for many years. He was most recently a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Andover. Mr. Tanionos was a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Masons, Quinebaug Lodge.
The funeral is Wednesday, May 12th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester with a service at 10:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street, Worcester. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Southbridge. Calling hours are Tuesday, May 11th from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral-Family Center, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609, to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 71 Chandler Road, Andover, MA 01810 or to Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 300 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606.