Obituary of Demetrios Philippou

Demetrios K. Philippou age 97 died Wednesday, May 2, 2018.  Born in 1920 in Asgata, Cyprus, he immigrated to South Africa in 1948 and then to the United States in 1981.   He was a wonderful devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather who was the foundation and pillar of strength for his entire family.  He was honorable, full of grace and had faith in God.  To his family he would say, “It’s alright, don’t cry” and he would point to the heavens and say, “God is great."   A blessed man, he was respected by all and has a special place in everyone’s heart that he touched.  He was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wyckoff, NJ.  He is survived by his children, Kaliope Zafirelis and her husband Angelos, Kleanthis Phili and his wife Kleopatra, Marios Phili and his wife Maria; his seven grandchildren, John-Michael, Demetris and his wife Yulia, Nikos and his wife Alina, Stelios and his wife Rose, Antigone, Alexis and Demitri; and three great granddaughters, Sophia, Zoe and Liana.  He was predeceased by his wife Antigone in 1978. Visiting hours are Sunday, 6-9 pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, www.vpfh.com, 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ.  A Trisagion Service will be held at 8 pm.  Funeral Service will be on Monday at 9:30 am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 467 Grandview Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481.  Interment Redeemer Cemetery, 90 Chapel Road, Mahwah, NJ.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor, to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated.