Pavlos Kalmanidis, age 75, longtime resident of Norwalk, beloved husband of Eleftheria Gastralas, passed away at home on Sunday, March 6, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family. He was a kind man, with an amazing sense of humor and a generous heart. He loved to travel with his wife and spend time with family. He will be deeply missed.
Pavlos was born in Spilia Kozani Greece on April 1, 1940 to the late Kosmas Kalmanidis and Kalliope Lambrianidis Kalmanidis. He served in the Greek military where he was awarded multiple citations, including one for marksmanship and received an honorable discharge. He was also drafted during the 1974 Cyprus conflict and served with honor. Pavlos was a devoted family man, who always loved and supported his parents. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Eleftheria. Together they emigrated from Greece to Norwalk, Connecticut with their three young children in October 1975. He retired from Pepperidge Farm in 1995 after 20 years of service. He was a hardworking man, that at times worked three jobs to support his family both in Greece and the U.S. Pavlos was a strong willed man who persevered through numerous obstacles for the benefit of his family. He was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church community and served on the Parish Council. A proud Greek of Pontian heritage, he raised his children to respect their history and traditions.
In addition to his wife Eleftheria, Pavlos is survived by his loving children, son Kosmas Kalmanidis, his wife Voula and son Pavlos of Norwalk, daughter Kalliope Toromanides, her husband George and children Sophia, Dimitrios and Christos of Trumbull, beloved daughter Maria Kalmanidis of Norwalk and brother Konstantinos Kalmanidis and family of Watertown, Massachusetts. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Nikolaos and Ioannis.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 8, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 238 West Rocks Road, Norwalk. Funeral Services will take place directly at the church on Wednesday, March 9, at 10:00AM. Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk.
Visit www.collins-funeral.com to leave condolences.