Artemis Christou, 91 of Marlton, NJ, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2020.
He was the loving, devoted husband of Christina (Neophytou) Christou. They shared a life for nearly 60 years. Three children survive him, Christine (Michael), Phillip (Frances) and Elias (Donna), seven grandchildren Artemis, Yianni, Leonidas, Alexander, Sophia, Adam and Zachary, his in-laws Adam (Afrodite), Sophia (Petros), Paniko, and many nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Artemis is predeceased by his sister Elpida (Antonis), brother Antonis (Antigone), and sister Eleni.
Being the youngest son of Christos and Christalou Yiasoumas, he grew up on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. He left his home village of Agios Elias at age 20 to make a life for himself. He arrived in the United States in 1948 via Ellis Island. Like so many hundreds of thousands who came before him, his story closely mirrored that of the post-war United States: through incredible hard work, commitment and determination, he turned opportunity into success, forging a fruitful career in the restaurant industry.
America was Artemis’ new home, but he always kept Cyprus in his heart. He continued until his last days to have hope that someday his beloved homeland would be returned after the Turkish invasion and occupation in 1974. During retirement, he visited the unoccupied part of the island many times.
Despite his strong work ethic and business acumen, his first devotion was to his family. He always put others before himself: parents, siblings, and children, as well as extended family.
Artemis was someone genuinely unique: A mold of character challenging to find in this day and age. It was his steadfastness, which kept his entire family together, through good times and bad. Throughout his life, he adhered to his Greek Orthodox faith. Never one to engage in leisure activities during his adult working life, he enjoyed much camaraderie and fellowship at his advanced age with the St. Thomas Kali Parea. Artemis was a man genuinely loved and respected by all: family, friends, employees, customers, and the community as a whole.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Thursday, March 12, from 10 am to 12 pm at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St. Cherry Hill, NJ, followed by the funeral at noon. Interment: Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church Iconography fund or charity of choice.