Donald Theoharides

LEICESTER; Donald S. Theoharides, 50, of Leicester, MA., died Wednesday, August 19, in his sleep at his home. He leaves his wife and long time friend, Lisa J. (Russell) Theoharides, his two daughters, Adria A. and Alexa V. Theoharides both of Harwich, his two stepdaughters, Stephanie V. and Jennifer A. Tee both of Leicester, his ex-wife, Victoria (Proko) Theoharides, a sister-in-law, Sharon Theoharides of Shrewsbury, two nephews, Stephen and Christopher Theoharides, his wife's extended family, and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many loyal friends both in the United States and in Greece. He was pre-deceased by a brother Anthony Theoharides, Ph.D in 1992. Donald was born in Worcester, the son of the late Steve "Stavros" and Theodora (Mavros) Theoharides, he was a graduate of Doherty High School, playing on both the Varsity Football and Hockey teams. He then attended Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Life Sciencesserving as a goalie on their hockey team. He also attended Worcester State College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, (WPI). Donald at onetime played semi-pro hockey for a Canadian Hockey Team. He was the owner/operator of Theo Properties in Worcester for 25 years. He formerly worked as a broker for Park Avenue Realty a number of years. A member of Worcester Board of Realtors and the N.R.B.A. A former member of the Worcester Rotary, past president of the South Worcester Kiwanis, past member of the Worcester Rugby Club and the Worcester Housing Authority. Donald also served on the Highland Street Merchants Association, and was a current member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Besides the great love of his wife and family, Mr. Theoharides was very passionate about his Greek church, Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He devoted endless hours of his time and talent offering his services in many capacities to the Cathedral. He served in many ministries, affiliate organizations and committees as well as to his Hellenic community and to the City of Worcester. Some of the capacities Donald in were: a current member of the Parish Council serving as the Chairman of the House Committee, member of the Information Technology Committee, and the Stewardship Committee; past president of the Parish Council; three (3) time Chairman of the Grecian Festival and an active member of the Order of Ahepa. Mr. Theoharides was a supporter and contributor of the Saint Spyridon Family Center as well as offering his treasury to stewardship and many causes and fund raisers at the Cathedral, including a sponsor of the Annual Golf Classic. As a young man he graduated from the Saint Spyridon Greek Education Program, the Sunday School Religious Program, GOYA and other youth ministries. His Hellenism was the cornerstone of his life and as a proud Greek he imparted the Greek traditions, culture and language to his family. Visiting Greece was one of his favorite activities and was looking forward to traveling there with his wife Lisa in September. Like his father, Mr. Theoharides was an avid fisherman and boater and loved being on the coastal waters as well as entertaining his many friends and family on his boat. He loved to entertain and break bread in his beautiful home on the lake always having cook outs and many gatherings that invariably included water skiing and boating activities. His portfolio of friends and colleagues included many lifelong friends, city and state dignitaries and public officials, business people and people he served on the various boards and committees. He always had a kind word to say, was quick to offer his assistance for anyone in need, and to open his home if someone needed a place to stay. A void will be left in the hearts of the people he has touched over the years. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and associates. Donald's funeral will be held Monday August 24th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a service at 10:00 a.m. in St Spyridon Church, 102 Russell St. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Sunday, August 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. A trisagion service will be held during calling hours in the funeral home. The Order of Ahepa will offer a special commemoration Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. The family wishes donations to be made in memory of Donald Theoharides to the Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Family Center, 102 Russell St. Worcester, MA 01609