Mr. Sotirios (Terry) Tsiantis

Sotirios (Terry) Tsiantis, 91, passed away on December 6, 2024, with his beloved wife, Vasso, by his side. Born in Lamia, Greece, he was the son of the late Leonidas and Vassiliki Tsiantis of Athens, Greece. Terry came to America in 1953 to attend his brother Angelo Tsiantis’ wedding and to pursue higher education at the University of South Carolina (USC). He graduated from USC in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Terry began a distinguished career with the U.S. government, retiring in 1990 after 32 years of dedicated service with the U.S. Department of Transportation. A devout member of his church, he served in many roles, including Secretary, Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Old Church Hall Building Committee at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He was also an active member of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), where he served as a past president of Chapter 284. Additionally, he was appointed as a Commissioner for the East Richland County Public Service District, serving for seven years, including one year as Chairman. Terry was known for his love of grilling and entertaining at home with his wife. He had a generous heart and was always eager to assist and advise others, particularly those from his homeland of Greece. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vasso Tsiantis; his son, Leonidas Tsiantis of Columbia; his daughter, Maria Pappadakis, and her husband, Chris; and two granddaughters, Angela and Sophia Pappadakis all of Atlanta, whom he deeply loved and adored. He is also survived by his sister, Voula Tsiantis of Athens, Greece, and several nieces and nephews; and his God daughter, Athena Eargle, and her family of Columbia, SC. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Angelo and Violet Tsiantis, of Columbia, SC. The funeral service for Mr. Tsiantis will be held 12 o’clock, Friday December 13th, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1900 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201. The burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road Columbia, South Carolina 29209. Trisagion Prayers will be recited at 11 o’clock, Friday, December 13th, at the church prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1931 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

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Mr. Sotirios (Terry) Tsiantis

November 17, 1933 - December 6, 2024