www.patrisnews.com

 Ilia

Three Ileians who fought and were loved passed away…

The legendary hairdresser Vassilios Papazafiropoulos passed away

Hailing from Andritsaina, he "grew up" professionally in New York

The legendary Manhattan hairdresser, the patriot and former member of the community of the Cathedral of St. Demetrius of Astoria,  Vassilios Papazafiropoulos , is no longer with us. Last Saturday, June 5, 2021, he passed away at the age of 88, sinking to

mourning his family, relatives and friends. His death has caused grief and emotion both in the community of St. Demetrius in Astoria and in the community of St. Gerasimos in Manhattan, because his sons Fr. Nektarios Papazafiropoulos and Fr. Panagiotis Papazafiropoulos are, respectively, priestly presidents of the communities.

Relatives and friends said goodbye to him at St. Demetrius Cathedral, where the funeral service of the Archbishop of America, Mr. Hopeful.

From Andritsaina to the American dream

 The deceased was born on April 26, 1933 in Andritsaina, Ilia, where he grew up. The late parents of Sotirios Papazafiropoulos and Olga of the Christakou family gave birth to five children, namely Panagiotis and the late Zafeiris, Marigoula, Katerina and Vassilios, and nurtured them with the best virtues of our tribe. In 1952, his uncle Nikolaos invited him to go to New York and taught him the hairdresser's secrets. He initially worked with his uncle and over time acquired his own hair salon, the once-famous "Peppe & Bill 's" at the historic Plaza Hotel in the heart of Manhattan, which he maintained until his retirement. In 1962 he danced the Dance of Isaiah with the chosen one of his heart, Aspasia the genus Hatziioannou who came from Athens, they kept the vow of eternal love as few as possible and were a model of wives, parents and grandparents. Two years after their marriage and specifically in 1964 they came to Astoria and from the first moments were connected with the large community of Agios Dimitrios, because they wanted their children to grow up in the Mecca of Hellenism in America. The couple gave birth to three children, namely Nektarios, Panagiotis and Ioanna.

Two years ago, on June 5, 2019, his beloved wife Aspasia passed away prematurely, but Vassilios did not give up. He drew strength daily from the love of his children and grandchildren and claimed to live two extra years.

Three Ileians who fought and were loved passed away…