Anthony Gianopoulos

Born in Tripi, Greece on August 31, 1928 to Nicholas and Triandafili (Rose) Gianopoulos. Anthony had many stories to tell of his carefree and happy early childhood growing up in his village with his four younger siblings, Potoula (Pauline), George, Dimitri (deceased), and Andreas (Andy).

While his father was working in the United States, Anthony helped care and provide for his siblings after the onset of World War II. After the destruction of his home and village, Anthony lived in and out of the mountain caves. With the help of his brother George, he foraged for food and nourishment to keep his family alive throughout the war.

In 1946, amidst the Civil War that followed in Greece, Anthony was informed that he was due to enlist in the United States Military. Unbeknownst to him, his father had registered each of his children as American citizens after their births. Anthony and his family came to the United States as displaced American citizens aboard the USNS Marine Carp, in the last US military convoy, in February 1947.

Anthony attended Lincoln High School as a 19 year-old freshman as part of his requirement to learn English before enlisting in the army. While first being trained as a cook, Anthony entered Leadership School where he trained officers in guerrilla warfare tactics. With a 10-man detail, Anthony reopened Fort Irwin in Southern California. Anthony served from 1950-1952 (active duty) and 1952-1956 (reserves). Anthony loved to share his many memories, adventures, and accomplishments during his time in the military.

After a two-year long-distance courtship (using snail mail), Anthony returned to Greece to marry Amalia Aivalioti on July 17, 1955. Anthony brought Amalia to Portland, Oregon to begin their new life together as they built a family and legacy over the following 67 years. Together, Anthony and Amalia had three children, Nicholas, Helen, and Michael.

A true provider, Anthony worked many jobs: Camas papermill, Kantas Doughnut Shop, TV repair, and a lumber yard. Anthony attended Portland Business School on the G.I. Bill where he acquired the skills that allowed him to climb the corporate ladder at General Motors. Anthony started at the bottom, working every job in the warehouse, until he reached chief clerk of inventory control for the Beaverton GM Warehouse. He retired in 1990. After his retirement, Anthony cared for his mother in her elder years and supported his daughter and son-in-law in their restaurant business in Beaverton. Everything Anthony did in his life was to support and prioritize his family, through any personal sacrifice.

Anthony is remembered for the life he built for his loved ones. A lover of nature, Anthony taught fishing, hunting, and camping to his children and grandchildren. He loved to garden and keep a verdant backyard full of fruit, vegetables, berries, and bees. Anthony was a beloved cook, bringing traditional Greek cuisine and creative new dishes to the ever-growing family dinner table. His dolmathes brought his family together where treasured nights were spent listening to his many stories. A natural storyteller, Anthony shared his wisdom and experience with anyone who would sit with him. His stories around the table brought laughter, smiles, and tears which will be remembered and passed down for many more years.

Anthony was a loving and affectionate grandfather to his seven grandchildren who all think of him as the patriarch and rock of the family. His legacy will continue through them and their love and memories of him.

He is survived by his son Nicholas and his wife Dimitra; daughter Helen and her husband Denny; son Michael and his wife Nannette. Grandchildren are Napoleon, Anthony (Randa), Spiro (Kevin), Katerina, JoeAnne, Jonathan, and Thomas. Nieces and nephews include Kathy, Steve, Julie, Teresa, Anthony (Amy), Peter, Alexis, Philip and many more in Greece. Siblings Pauline, George (Mona), and Andy (Stacy).

Anthony will be missed beyond words. His family is overjoyed that he is now reunited with the love of his life, Amalia.

May his memory be eternal.