Zino Kazakis passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on July 20, 1937, in Velvento, Greece, and carried the values of his homeland with him throughout his life.
In 1956, he made the journey to America by ship and settled in Springfield, Pennsylvania, where he joined his Aunt Vaya and her children. From his early days in the United States, Zino took on any work he could find. Over the years, he became a skilled bridge painter, traveling widely and working high above the ground with calm determination. He was never afraid of heights and always took pride in doing a job the right way.
In 1959, Zino helped form the first Greek soccer team in Philadelphia, the Greek Stars. Years later, in a 2014 interview with Cosmos Philly, he reflected on that time with quiet pride, recalling how he arrived in America in 1956 and just a few years later helped start the team that became a milestone for the local Greek community. Soccer was more than a pastime for Zino. It was a way to stay connected to his roots and to build something lasting among friends and fellow immigrants.
In 1970, he returned to Greece to marry Vasiliki Dalageorgiou. The couple came back to the United States the following year and welcomed twin daughters, Sophia and Genovefa. In 1982, after many years of physical labor, Zino opened Acropolis Pizza, a neighborhood spot he ran with care and consistency for 18 years. Whether painting bridges or making pizza, he believed in doing every task with attention and pride.
Zino was deeply devoted to his family and to his Greek roots. He remained close with friends and relatives and was always eager for a conversation in Greek. He was a faithful member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby, where he found strength in tradition and community.
Funeral services were held on August 7 at St. Demetrios, followed by burial at Fernwood Cemetery in Lansdowne.
Zino Kazakis is remembered as a hardworking father, a proud Greek-American, and a kind soul who stayed true to his roots. He will be missed by all who had the chance to know him.
In his memory, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter at alz.org/delval.
