Obituary of Dionysios Zougras

Dionysios “Saki” Zougras

February 25, 1949 – July 21, 2024

Beloved Son, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother, Brother-in-Law & Friend.

He was one of a kind, unlike anybody that you ever met.  He grew up extremely humble in poverty, in a war-torn Greece.  At the age of 10 he left home, working on cargo ships in countries such as China, Singapore and Egypt, and worked hard to support his family in Greece.  He later migrated to America, where he met the love of his life Vasilike “Betty” and worked hard to raise 3 boys.  A selfless, loving and dedicated man, not only to his family, but also to many friends.  If you knew “Saki”, or as “Paliatzis” as many knew him, you knew that he was a force to be reckoned with.   He came into this world as a person of strength, faith, love and perseverance.   His love for everyone was second to none.  As tough as he was, if you really knew him, you knew he wore his heart on his sleeve.  He was more generous than any human being in this world and wouldn’t hesitate to give you the shirt off his back.

To say that he was the life of the party is an understatement.  Any room that he would enter would immediately come to life.  With a huge smile on his face, a drink in his hand and Greek music playing, he would always be the center of attraction with his zembekiko dance, where many would gather around him clapping.  Those that knew him also knew that he was the hardest working man.  Despite his minimal education, he was able to run a successful construction business for many years, and supported and provided for his family, with all his love and heart.  His house always had an open-door policy, where there was no need to call.  Friends and family filled the house on a daily basis, where there was always plenty of food and drink and the greatest of company. 

Raising, guiding and teaching his children to work hard, to love others unconditionally, help all who were in any type of need, to be proud of their Greek heritage, and to never forget where they came from were his most important lessons in life.   The highlights of his life were especially all his grandchildren, who gave him as much joy as they received from him. 

He is survived by his loving wife Vasilike “Betty”, Children Demetrious and his wife Alexandra, Peter and his wife Alexa, Anthony and his wife Juliana, his Grandchildren Vasilike, Demetra, Dionysios and Asimina, Sisters Koula and Mimika, Brothers in Law Nick and Niko, Sisters in Law Alice, Suzie, Kasandra and Georgina, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends may visit the Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY on Thursday, July 25^th from 6-9pm.  Funeral departing Friday, July 26^th at 12pm with a service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 12:30pm.  Interment to follow in Greece.