Markos D. Zerefos, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, fell asleep in the Lord on November 8, 2025, at Penn Medicine with his family by his side. He was 78 years old.
Markos was born on February 3, 1947, on the island of Chios. He grew up with the values that shaped his entire life: hard work, resilience, and a deep love for family. When he set out for the United States, he carried those values with him. Within a year, he brought over his wife, Eugenia, and their two children, Demetri and Eftihia. They began their new life in Delaware, a place that eventually became home. The early years brought the usual struggles of starting over, yet Markos never let any hardship shake his optimism. He kept the traditions of his youth alive and passed them on to his children and grandchildren.
Before immigrating, Markos had completed his National Service in Greece, an experience that strengthened the discipline and courage he often relied on. In America, he stayed closely connected to his Orthodox faith and Greek heritage. For fifty years he served as a steward of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington, offering his time, support, and quiet dedication to the parish he loved.
Professionally, Markos made his mark as the founder of Markos Construction. He worked side by side with his crew, building a reputation across Delaware for honesty, reliability, and true craftsmanship. He believed that quality work spoke for itself, and that a person should stand behind what they build. His company grew not through shortcuts but through trust, word of mouth, and the consistency of a man who kept his word.
Away from work, Markos was happiest when he was doing something for others. He enjoyed gardening, especially his grapevines and vegetables that reminded him of home. Friends and family often turned to him when something needed fixing, and he approached every project with the same care and good humor. His personality drew people in. He had wit, warmth, and a social spirit that made everyone feel welcome.
But his heart belonged to his family. Gatherings around the table, stories shared late into the night, the sound of grandchildren running through the house, these were the moments that gave him joy. To his grandchildren, he was not just Pappou. He was the one who made paper boats at the kitchen table, who taught them card tricks and how to skip rocks at the shore, who slipped them an extra cookie when YiaYia looked away. He attended every graduation, every game, every performance, always with the same quiet pride. He often said that you do not fully understand love until you watch your own children have children, because then you feel it twice over.
Markos is survived by his devoted wife, Eugenia Zerefos, his son Demetrios Zerefos and his wife Constantina, and his daughter Evie Zerefos-Coates and her husband George. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Eleftheria, Yiannis, and his wife Lauren, Markos, and Markella.
A viewing will take place on Wednesday, November 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., with Prayer Services at 7:30 p.m., at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 808 N. Broom Street in Wilmington, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Wilmington or Saint Andrew the Apostle in Lewes, Delaware.
Funeral services will be held in Greece.
May his memory be eternal.