Theodore Pantazis

Theodore ‘Ted’ Pantazis, passed away peacefully at 90 years young on Thursday, May 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Throughout active, vibrant life, Ted had many interesting roles and experiences. Among his most cherished was serving as a chanter for the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Elk Grove, CA. In this role, he found great solace and enjoyment. It provided him a deep connection to his Greek Orthodox faith and roots, which were the essence of his being.

Ted was born and raised in Paravolia, Olympia, Greece. He received degrees in Business and Economics, served in the Greek Air Force, then traveled throughout Europe to build the textile business that was started by his father and uncles. He later pursued higher graduate degrees in Business, Marketing, and Planning in the United States, settling in Indiana, where he met his wife, Karen, while she was pursuing her medical degree. The family would later have the opportunity to return to live in Greece when Ted was recruited to manage marketing during the FIFA World Cup Soccer and the family would again return for the Olympics when Greece hosted the event.

Throughout his personal and professional life, Ted worked tirelessly and selflessly in multiple leadership positions and was honored for his many contributions. .

As a member of the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, he was proud to be the first person of Greek heritage to be named as the Director of Planning for the State of Indiana. He had the distinguished honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel and was inducted into the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash for his achievements in leadership, wisdom, humanity, loyalty, and inspiration, characteristics which describe Ted’s essence and philosophy of life.

As a proud Lifetime member of the Ahepa, the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association, Ted served in multiple leadership positions over many years in several states. Throughout his life, he also served in multiple leadership positions in the Greek Orthodox Church Parishes in Indiana, Nevada, and California, most recently as President Emeritus of the St. Katherine Orthodox Church Parish Council, Chairman of the Weekend in Greece Fundraising Committee, and his favorite, the Orthodox Greek Liturgy Chanter.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Karen Zurek Pantazis, M.D., his beloved daughters Eleni Pantazis and Niki Pantazis, precious grandson Elliot, Ted’s sister, Toula Kafiris, and her daughters, Krini and Anastasia Kafiris, cousin Gregarious Pantazis, and numerous cousins and their children. His parents, Nikitas and Eleni Pantazis, and his sister Olga Pantazis preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday, June 5, 2025, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 9165 Peets St., Elk Grove, CA 95758, with a light reception to follow. The congregation, friends, and family are invited. There will be a private family burial interment at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery in Rancho Murieta on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ted’s name may be sent to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund.