Stratis Zampathas

Stratis Zampathas entered the Adytum on Jan. 31, 2004, in Kamuela, Haw.

His wife of 56 years, Georgia Zampathas, said, “To Stratis, Sigma Pi was a joy and a prideful experience. He never forgot his fraternity brothers.”

She can be contacted at P.O. Box 6895, Kamuela, Haw. 96743.

Stratis had medical problems during his final years, but he inspired many people with his determination to be part of the world around him. His wife, Georgia, provided nurturing care and loving comfort and dignity. Even when Stratis had difficulty speaking, his eyes spoke voumes.

His grandchildren remember him with a fondness and acute sense of innter calm and strength that his quiet demeanor bespoke. His son, Jim, and eldest grandchild, Lisa, remember a strong, dynamic character.

Stratis was born July 6, 1918, in Sacramento and delivered newspapers as a youngster, allowing him a good historical perspective on the city which helped him in future years.

He graduated from UCLA in 1941, where he had joined Sigma Pi. He earned a graduate degree at USC and a Ph.D. at the University of Athens in his family home of Greece.

Stratis spent much of his post-fraternity life in Sacramento, serving in community and public functions. He worked as a teacher and coach at several middle schools, and his former students regularly kept in contact with him over the years. He felt a great responsibility toward is family and community.

His community involvement includes membership in Phi Delta Kappa professional organization, the Sacramento chapter of Rotary International and a 32nd degree member of the Sacramento Scottish Rite, member of Ben Ali Shrine.

Stratis also was president of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, president of the Pan-Arcadian Associations, secretary of AHEPA, president of the American Hellenic Professional Society. Stratis helped coordinate the donation of a replica of the sculpture of Poseidon that stands in the Sacramento Community Center.

Stratis served in the political sphere as secretary of the Sacramento Landmarks Commission and as a commissioner of the Sacramento Redevelopment Agency. He played a central role in obtaining and planning the federal funding and redevelopment of Old Sacramento and the state-funded Railroad Museum of Sacramento.