Dimitrios Tsarpalas

Dimitrios I. Tsarpalas

October 8, 1931 – December 8, 2025

Dimitrios I. Tsarpalas, 94, of Fort Lee, NJ peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on December 8, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Dimitrios will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dimitrios was born on October 8, 1931, in Kinigos, Pylos, Greece to Ioannis and Martha Tsarpalas and was the third of six brothers. As a child, he and his family persisted through the struggles of the Great Depression and Second World War. Dimitrios held a deep reverence for his birthplace and Greek heritage, which always remained a treasured part of his life.

Dimitrios served in the Greek army until 1952, during which time he was stationed in Patras and Kilkis. Returning home to Kinigos, Dimitrios met his beloved wife Dimitra (née Kambilis) and the two were married in 1956. Soon after their marriage, Dimitrios and Dimitra welcomed the pride and joy of their lives, three beautiful daughters Panagiota, Martha, and Stavroula. Dimitrios and Dimitra spent sixty cherished and loving years together until Dimitra fell asleep in the Lord on July 9, 2017.

In search of a better future, Dimitrios immigrated to the United States in 1970 on a shoemaker work visa. Alone, carrying only what was on him, and without knowing a word of English, Dimitrios persevered to support his family in Kinigos while establishing new roots in America. In 1973, he brought his entire family to the United States and settled in Fort Lee, New Jersey, a place he called home and loved deeply for the remainder of his life. Dimitrios owned and operated the Fort Lee Shoe Repair until his retirement in 1995 where his craftsmanship and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of his customers. He was also a beloved member of the community and a familiar face on the corner of Linwood Avenue and Main Street where he served as a crossing guard for many years.

Dimitrios could often be seen sitting in his lawn chair enjoying the shade of the large maple tree in front of his home. He was an expert gardener and his vegetable garden was the envy of every passerby. He enjoyed a spirited conversation and was the first to offer his opinion on a variety of topics such as the news and politics. He was an avid reader of the Greek newspaper, reading every page until the sports section. He shared that joy with his grandchildren, encouraging them from a young age to read the Greek newspaper alongside him. He believed it was the best education, a way to learn the language, stay curious, and feel connected to their Greek roots.

A man like so many in his generation, Dimitrios exemplified the American Dream and what could be achieved with sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. Above all, Dimitrios had the deepest love for his family and would, as he did, travel to the ends of the world for those he loved. He was always fond of telling his grandchildren, “Be bold and courageous in life.” That enduring message and his legacy will remain with them forever.

Dimitrios is survived by his loving daughters, Panagiota Hatzikyriakou and her husband Stavros Hatzikyriakou; Martha Avgouladakis and her husband Antonis Avgouladakis; and Stavroula Tsarpalas. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Marios Hatzikyriakou and his wife Stephania Hatzikyriakou; Adam Hatzikyriakou and his wife Rena Hatzikyriakou; Nikolaos Avgouladakis; and Dimitra George and her husband Constantine George. And he also leaves behind his beloved great-grandchildren, Stella Panagiota Hatzikyriakou and Panagiotis Michael George, who brought him immense joy.

May his memory be eternal and may he rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment where there is no pain or suffering, but life everlasting.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dimitrios’ memory to the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Fairview, New Jersey. Should you wish to send flowers, please send them directly to the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Fairview, New Jersey.