OBITUARY: Eisenhower Presidential Honor Guard Chris Kitsopoulos, 90, of Melbourne, Passed Away May 20

By  //  May 28, 2023

placed wreath at tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery

Chris Kitsopoulos ascended peacefully at the age of 90 on Saturday, May 20, 2023, with his family by his side. His U.S. Army service as a Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, DC, for President Dwight Eisenhower came full circle decades later as he was honored with the request to place a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Chris Kitsopoulos ascended peacefully at the age of 90 on Saturday, May 20, 2023, with his family by his side.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth, Son Demetri, Daughter Kristina, and Grandson Brandon.

He was born October 22, 1932, in Haverhill, Massachusetts to the late Demetri and Eugenia Kitsopoulos, the sole son amongst 6 sisters (Rita, Kalliope, Georgia, Mary, Athena and Irene).

His journey evolved in an era of hardship yet unbridled optimism.

Chris was a parishioner, brother, serviceman, husband, patriarch, and community leader. He navigated his own course with a career in real estate, guided his family and friends, and truly made an indelible impression on all who connected with him.

From his earliest days of modest means, Chris walked as far as his legs would take him, cycled the roads less traveled and satiated his curiosity with family travels at every opportunity.

Chris was, in a sense, a child of the village, yet truly a citizen of the world. Even when his body could no longer serve him, he nourished his curiosity in the living room with endless documentaries of people, nature, and cultures across the globe.

His U.S. Army service as a Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, DC, for President Eisenhower came full circle decades later as he was honored with the request to place a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

He was also bestowed a Life Member in the Order of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).

His Life was divinely cyclical, with profound chapters including a seminal pilgrimage to Greece to explore the origins of his family villages and heritage.

He shared with friends and family all that fascinated him with open eyes and a mercurial mind and remained a forever student of Life.
He belonged to the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and St Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, Melbourne, Florida, where he served as past Parish Council President.

Ultimately, Chris lived in a time of great discovery with optimism, zeal, wisdom, and resiliency where bonds of friends, family and culture were everlasting. His was truly a Life well Lived.

May his ascendant spirit remain in eternal Light.

Friends and Family will be received at Dignity Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, between 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Funeral service to follow on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FloridaMemorialFH-Gardens.com for the Kitsopoulos family.

HOT OFF THE PRESS! March 27, 2023 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best NewspaperRelated Story:
HOT OFF THE PRESS! March 27, 2023 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper