Rizos Vagelaras passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. He was 80.
Born on August 5, 1945, in the seaside village of Stomio, Greece, Rizos was the youngest of three sons of Evangelos and Stavroula Vagelaras. His father died before his birth, leaving his mother to raise three spirited boys through famine, the Nazi occupation and the turmoil of the Greek Civil War.
At twelve, Rizos left Stomio with his brother Anastasios (“Taso”) to help support the family. In Larissa, a barber gave him a stool so he could reach his customers’ heads. He quickly learned the craft and faithfully sent his earnings home.
After serving in the Greek military, Rizos set out to build the family life he had missed as a child. He joined the merchant marine, traveling the world on cargo and tanker ships before arriving in New York. His travels eventually took him to Detroit, where he reunited with Anastasios, who had already become an American citizen.
He spent time in both Canada and the United States before meeting the love of his life, Vasiliki. They married in Stomio and settled in the U.S., creating a home anchored in love, tradition and faith.
In the 1970s, they welcomed two children, Stacy and Evans. Rizos took great pride in their education and careers and found his greatest joy as “Pappou” to his four grandchildren—Eleni, Rizos, Anastasios and Vasiliki. With Vasiliki, he gladly followed his children’s lives across Pennsylvania, Arizona and Washington State, always eager to stay close and lend a hand.
Rizos cherished his Orthodox faith and loved restoring automobiles, watching soccer and spending time by the sea, especially fishing. He will be remembered for his quiet kindness, steady respect for others and willingness to help family, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his brother Anastasios. He is survived by his wife, Vasiliki; his daughter Stacy (Jimmy) Pappas and their children Eleni and Anastasios; his son Evans (Star) Vagelaras and their children Rizos and Vasiliki; and his brother Theoxari in Greece, along with cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and Koumbaroi in both Greece and the United States.
Family and friends are invited to Annunciation/Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a funeral service at 11:30 a.m.
Interment and the makaria luncheon will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Elkins Park or the American Cancer Society.