Paul Diamantis

Polycarpos “Paul” Diamantis, age 88, passed away peacefully after an extended illness that captured his essence over the last (9) years.  His spirit and enthusiasm for life was enduring until the end.  Paul, above all, loved three things, his Greek Orthodox Faith, his family and his Greek roots.  He was the beloved husband of Helen (nee Souzas); loving father of Georgia (Dan), Maria (deceased) and Peter ‘Taki’ (Athena); cherished papou of Michael, Katina, Kerri, Nicole, Paolo & Zach; great-grandfather of Rocco & Arthur;  beloved son of the departed Nikos & Georgia Diamantis (both deceased); treasured oldest brother to Leo (deceased) (Assimoula), Gus (deceased) (Argryoula), Elektra (John-deceased), Voula (Kosta-deceased), Dimitri (Maria-deceased), Yianni (deceased) (Effie); cherished Uncle, Cousin, Koumbaro, Godfather and Friend to many. 

Paul was born on June 18, 1931 in Ano Hora, Greece, coming into this world as a ‘preemie’.  He defied all odds in his small village and spoke of how his mother tightly swathed him in cotton, which allowed him to live when so many perished from premature births.  This set the stage for his life, as he was fearless, always rushing to do something or get somewhere and making an adventure where ever he was.  He left the village, nestled high in the mountains, and made the 11-hour trek by foot to the port city of Nafpaktos to begin his life after completing the 4th grade.  He was a shoe salesman, a ticket conductor, and made his way to Athens becoming a mason.  The stories he told of building the palace of the King of Greece were legendary.    He immigrated to the United States to live the ‘American Dream’, a decision which he would continue to speak fondly of for the rest of his days. 

He married Nitsa (Helen) Souzas in 1957 and made Cleveland his home.  He was instrumental in helping build the Greek Orthodox Community in the Cleveland area and spent his years working as a chef in many restaurants, including the Hollenden Hotel, The Buckeye House, and Lannings (Akron) until he and his brother Gus bought The Silver Quill in 1971. His years at the Silver Quill were some of his favorite as he enjoyed hosting many entertainers, dignitaries and politicians.  He had a strict work ethic, always saved for the future and at the old age of (54), retired and began enjoying the fruits of his labor.  He was very much the family patriarch, taking his family to Greece every other summer.  He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and friends and was able to see Israel, Egypt, several cruises in the Caribbean and many, many roadtrips to visit family in Cherry Hill, NJ.  He loved his family fiercely.  He adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved entertaining in his home and was most happy when he had his extended family near.  He was always in the mood to dance his beloved Greek dances and to share a joke with friends.  His smile was broad and his laughter was contagious.  He will be forever remembered as a gentle, loving soul to all his family and friends.  May his memory be eternal.

The family will be hosting a celebration of life memorial at a future date once our world is safe again.

ALL FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE PRIVATE.

Burial will be at St. Theodosius Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to St.Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 22909 Center Ridge Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116. 

online tributes and condolences may be viewed or expressed at www.clcfuneralhome.com