Obituary of James E. Anastos

James E. Anastos, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 2, 2017 in Florida surrounded by his loving family.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Pauline (Kouchalakos) Anastos.

Born on May 27, 1938, James was the son of the late Ernest and Clara (Paris) Anastos of Lowell, MA.  After graduating from Lowell High School, James proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army National Guard and then the U.S. Air Force where he served as a Russian Language Specialist.  After his military service, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a master’s degree in East Asian Studies from Central Connecticut State University. James’s love of learning continued into his professional career where he taught history and science in the Hamden Public School System for over 30 years until his retirement.

James was an active member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Waterbury and volunteered as a parish council member for many years.  He was a very talented artist and enjoyed sketching images on a scrap piece of paper as much as painting on a canvas.  James’s happiest moments were the times he shared with his grandchildren.  He loved telling them jokes and riddles and just being silly with them.

James is survived by his son Tarsey and his wife Sally of Cheshire, and his two beloved grandchildren Margot Jane and James Robert. He is also survived by his brother George  E. Anastos and his wife Diana of Palm Bay, FL, and sister Jodi Paris Anastos of Newburyport, MA, and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and cousins in MA, FL, CA and Australia.  James was predeceased by his brother, John E. Charles Anastos of Chelmsford, MA.

Arrangements- Calling hours will be Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home at 615 South Main Street, Cheshire, CT.  A funeral service for James will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 22, 2017 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway in Waterbury, CT. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at Westlawn Cemetery in Lowell, MA.  Memorial contributions in James’s name may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 937 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT 06708, or to a charity of the donor's choice.