ASTORIA, NY – Greek News USA
Timoleon Kokkinos, a dedicated educator and past President of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus”, passed away on February 24, at the age of 92, surrounded by his devoted family.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anastasia, in 2003. He is survived by his loving children, Eleni and Kalliopi, and their spouses. A cherished grandfather, he leaves behind Theologos, Timoleon, Anastasia, and George.
Born in Nikia, on the island of Nisyros, in 1932, Timoleon Kokkinos was the fourth of six children of Demetrios and Calliope Kokkinos. After graduating from elementary school in his birthplace, Nikia, the family moved to Rhodes in order for the kids to attend the Venetokleion Gymnasium [Middle / High School] of Rhodes. He graduated with honors and was accepted to the Pedagogical Academy of Rhodes. He graduated with great distinction, “Arista”.
As a young teacher he served for four years in the elementary schools of the island of Cephalonia, before coming to New York, in 1962, to pursue further studies in the field of education. He graduated from Columbia University in NYC.
His first school as a teacher in New York was the Greek-American Day and Afternoon schools of St. Spyridon in Washington Heights, NY. From 1969 till 1974 he taught at the Cathedral School in Manhattan, NY. In 1974 he went on to St. Demetrios Day & Afternoon Schools in Astoria, accepting the invitation of then St Demetrios Day School Principal, Demosthenes Triantafyllou. He served as Principal of the Greek Afternoon School of St. Demetrios in Astoria from 1996 till 2017, devoting his life to the school and his students.
He also worked as Principal of the Nisyrian Greek School for over 25 years.
Timoleon Kokkinos took immense pride in his Greek heritage, actively supporting the Greek community and its associations. He held a deep love for his beloved Nisyros and remained steadfast in his Orthodox faith.
A founding member of the Greek Teachers Association “Prometheus” of New York, Timoleon Kokkinos served as President of “Prometheus” in 1985-86. He was also active in the Federation of Hellenic American Educators, the Nisyrian Society “St. John the Theologian”, the Federation of the Dodecanese Societies USA, as well as, the Greek American Homeowners Association in Astoria.
Despite having little, he was known for his generosity, always giving to charities and those in need. Kokkinos will be remembered as a kind and generous soul whose impact on his family, students, and community will never be forgotten.
The visitation will be held on Thursday, February 27, 5-8 PM, at St. Catherine and St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 22-30 33rd Street in Astoria, NY. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 28, 12:30-1:30 PM, also at St. Catherine and St. George Church in Astoria.
In keeping his memory alive, please consider making a donation in his memory to the St. Demetrios Greek Afternoon School.
May his memory be eternal.
RP
