NEWPORT NEWS – Dr. Theodore Sam Savvas, known as Ted to family and friends, of Newport News, Va., passed away suddenly, Saturday evening, Feb. 12, 2005, at the age of 73. He was born on June 24, 1931, in Charleston, S.C., to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Savvas of Patras, Greece. After graduating from the Citadel in 1958, Ted continued his education and received his doctorate in dentistry from MCV in Richmond, Va. It wasn’t until he met Athena Georgalas that he knew his life had truly just begun. Ted and Athena, along with Athena’s twin sister Jacqueline and Phillip Trahadias, were married June 3, 1956, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in a double ceremony. Ted and Athena have been inseparable ever since. Together they have been so blessed as to survive the growth of four generations of family. Ted was a general family dentist in the city of Hampton for 40 years and retired in the year 2000. He was a vital member in his church community as he loved to contribute by singing in the church choir, and participating in the Order of Ahepa, in which he served many positions throughout 15 years of service. In 1983, Ted was awarded Ahepa’s Secretary of the Year. But most importantly, he will be remembered as a kind, giving, gentle giant, who liked to watch movies, go to bed late but wake up even later, and sit for hours quietly enjoying the company of his family and loved ones. Ted is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Athena; their children, Dr. Theodore Sam Savvas Jr. and Mrs. Teresa Graham, Theodore Jr.’s wife, Leslie, their daughters, Angela Savvas and Nicole Gatchell, her husband Michael Gatchell, their daughter, Sidony, child to be, Giorgia, and Teresa’s husband, Walter and their three children, Sarah, Josh, and Jacob. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The funeral service will be Tuesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. at the same location. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the building fund at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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