Dimitrios Tsiopanos - Obituary

imitrios Tsiopanos “Jimmy”, a 40-year resident of Annapolis, died suddenly on December 31 from heart-related issues. He was born November 6, 1944 in Kedros, Thessalia, Greece to the late Sotirios and Georgia Tsiopanos. He lost his father, a clay-shingle maker, at the age of 9 months. His mother, Georgia, persevered through a war-torn Greece to raise him and his older sister. Schooled through the 7th grade, Jimmy was an excellent student but without money for further education, he left home in his early teens to stake out his own future in the "big cities". After serving in the Greek military, as required by law, he eventually traveled the world on commercial ships and learned his craft from professional chefs, later bringing that experience with him to Canada and America where he became a restaurateur. He moved from Canada to Annapolis in the early 1970's where he eventually managed and owned Timmy's Carryout until 1987. He moved his family to Greece for a brief stay between 1987 and 1989, then returned to the USA and opened The Parthenon Restaurant in Annapolis. Jimmy enjoyed traveling, camaraderie, Greek dance, games and long discussions about politics. With Jimmy’s passing, Annapolis loses a man of superior work-ethic, boundless love, and deep, unquestioning commitment to family and friends. With a smile that could light up a room and deep voice that could bring down the house, he was a force to be reckoned with. In his later years, The Parthenon Restaurant became his home where he greeted friends, family and guests with endless generosity, open arms and a warm heart. He died, as he lived, among family and friends, with music and laughter, joy and celebration. He was loved and will be missed. He is survived by two sons, Steve (Brenna) Tsiopanos of Annapolis and Dino Tsiopanos of Long Island, NY; one sister, Maria (Thomas) Prosgoliti of Kedros, Greece; three grandchildren, Agathe, Evelyn and Hannah Tsiopanos and a niece, Georgia Antoniou of Athens, Greece. Friends are invited to Jimmy’s Life Celebration on Wednesday, January 4, from 6 until 9PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 5, at 10AM at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment St. Demetrios Cemetery. For your convenience, an online guestbook is available by clicking the link below.