Filop Zervos

With broken hearts, but with deep gratitude for the beautiful life he lived, we share the passing of our beloved father, Filop Zervos, who entered into eternal rest at the age of ninety-four.

He was the beloved husband of Fotini (Bakopoulos) Zervos, who predeceased him in 2004.

Born in Sellasia, Greece, he came to Chicago in the 1960s in search of a better life with his brother. He carried Greece in his heart every day—its beauty, traditions, and simple joys—and was equally grateful to America for the opportunities it provided his family.

He will be remembered for his loving heart, remarkable strength, big smile, generosity, sense of humor, and the warmth he brought wherever he went. An exceptional cook, he took immense pride in his culinary talents and was widely known for making the best pizza in town for many years. Even after his retirement, people would still ask about our parents, sharing how much they were missed and fondly recalling their food was the finest in town. When asked the secret to his long life, his answer was always simple: he lived with faith, gratitude, and deep love for others. Family and the joy of life meant everything to him. He was deeply proud of his Greek heritage and worked tirelessly to pass those traditions on to his children and grandchildren. In search for greater opportunities, he moved his family from state to state, always ensuring they remain connected to their roots by choosing communities with a Greek Orthodox Church and Greek school nearby. He gave us a lifetime of memories with family and friends in Chicago, Dara, Sparti, Athens, Tampa, and Boston. Some of his happiest years in retirement were spent in Greece during the summer and fall, a place he never got tired of calling the most beautiful place in the world and the best place anyone could spend a vacation. He had a special love for the beach (btw never wore sunscreen) enjoyed watching football and basketball, loved being around people, loved dancing zembekiko and had a special gift for making friends everywhere he went.

He was a man of deep faith, and that faith guided him throughout his life. He often reminded us, “Live for today; do not worry about the future,” and would say, “Jesus is the Boss.”

Although our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that he lived a long, full, and meaningful life and passed peacefully. We also find solace in believing he is now reunited with his beloved wife, his brother, his brother-in-law Kostaki, and his parents, those he loved deeply and missed for so many years.

He leaves behind a loving family in the United States and Greece who will carry his memory in their hearts always. May his memory be eternal. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his family and friends.

Filop is survived by three children, Nitsa Paganis and her husband Constantine, John “Yiannis” Zervos, and Souli Zervos; four grandchildren, Antonios, Philip, Fotis, and Taso Paganis; and several nieces and nephews in the United States and Greece.

He was the brother of the late George Zervos.

Private services have been held for the family. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com Those wishing may make contributions in Filop's memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 62 Lewis St., Lowell, MA 01854 or holytrinitylowell.com. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – LOWELL – MA (978) 458-8768.  

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