Fotios Lorentzatos
1931-2019
Fotios Lorentzatos was born on the 1st of February 1931, in the village of Davgata in Kefalonia, Greece, to his parents, Evagelos and Theoharisti Lorentzatos. He passed away at his home on Wednesday, the 15th of May 2019, with his loving wife of 55 years, Marina, by his side.
Foti's early years were marked by the German occupation of Greece and an earthquake in 1953 that devastated Kefalonia. Like many of his peers, he became a merchant marine and left home. He travelled the world and discovered Houston, Texas, where he, John Gnesoulis and Andreas Svoronos started the company that eventually became Regency Car Wash.
He believed deeply in, and lived, the American dream and this country's promise of opportunity. Foti was a proud U.S. citizen and often said that he was "Greek by birth, American by choice." He felt blessed that Regency allowed him to extend opportunity to others. To many who got their first job at Regency or asked him for advice, Foti was a mentor and a friend for life.
Foti's interests were hunting, spending time in Galveston, and returning to Kefalonia for extended summers, where he reunited with many of his childhood friends who had also returned.
Most of all, he treasured spending time with his family. Foti was a loving husband, devoted father, and fantastic Pappou.
He is predeceased by his parents and survived by Marina; his two sons and daughters-in-law, Evan and Kazia; their children, Alexandra Carina and Thomas Evagelos; Niko and Jenny, and their children, Luke Fotis, and Rebecca Marina; and family in Greece and Brazil, including his brother George Lorentzatos; his in-laws, Georgia and Yoti Kremmydas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family is grateful for the care provided by Drs. Madhureeta Achari and Leila Talieh, the staff at Kindred Heights, and his home caregivers, especially Kelly Shafer.
The funeral service is to be conducted at half-past ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 20th of May, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Boulevard in Houston, following a visitation which will commence at half-past nine o'clock.
Those honored to serve as casket bearers during the services are George Pappas, Gregory Pappas, Luke Fotis Lorentzatos, Thomas Evan Lorentzatos, Chris Tsanais, and John Nikolaou. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Lou Karvelas and Spiro Pappas.
Interment will follow, via an escorted cortège, at Woodlawn Garden of Memories in Houston.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a Makaria luncheon at the Martell Hall, adjacent to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Lorentzatos be directed to the Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 Southwest Freeway, Suite 296, Houston, TX 77098.
Christos Anesti! May his memory be eternal.