Vangel G. "Van" Sterio's Obituary
Vangel G. “Van” Sterio passed away peacefully at his home in Cape Carteret, NC, on Friday, January 19, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was 86 years old.
Van was born in Syracuse on January 24, 1931, to Gregory and Eugenia (Kircu) Sterio. He was a dedicated son and brother to his family. He had an illustrious 43-year career as Banquet and Catering Director of the Hotel Syracuse properties, where he enjoyed arranging countless business events, banquets, weddings, celebrations and more. Van’s love for people and dedication to the Hotel Syracuse was his life. After the Hotel closed he was employed at the Sheraton University for two years before retiring. Van was also the co-owner of Sterio’s Landmark Restaurant from 1974 –1992.
In addition to all his countless achievements in life, Van was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, that was loved by all. He was an iconic staple in the Syracuse community, and always had a dear fondness for this city he called home.
Van and Michelina moved to Cape Carteret to be with their daughter and son-in-law in 2007, where he enjoyed golfing, traveling and watching his family grow.
He was predeceased by his brother, Alexander (Clara) Constantino and sister, Evangeline Fortino.
Van is survived by his loving wife of 65 glorious years, Michelina Sterio, née Colapaolo; daughter, Diane (John) Ritchie; granddaughter, Danielle (Benjamin) Downing; grandsons, Nicholas (Jason) Zammit-Ritchie and Christopher Ritchie; great-granddaughters, Lillian, Abigail and Penelope Downing; brother, Dimitrio (Krystyna) Sterio; brother-in-law, Alfonso Fortino; sister-in-law, Lorraine Colapaolo; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 from 4 – 7 pm, with Trisagion service at 3:30 pm at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, N.Y. A funeral service in celebration of Van’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Van’s name to St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse, N.Y. 13224.
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