It is with deep sorrow that the UHVA announces the passing of our beloved founder, leader and father to all, Dr. Dimitrios Kyriazopoulos. Respecting his final wishes he passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by love.
Dr. K, as he was affectionately known, was a pioneer in the Greek community. A proud Hellene, he dedicated his life to making the Greek community a prominent voice in the USA establishing the Hellenic vote as force to be recognized. Throughout his life, Dr. K devoted much of his energy to aiding those in need. Countless individuals within our community found employment in the public and private sector due to his direction and recommendations. He also provided assistance in obtaining citizenship in this beloved adopted country throughout the 70s and 80s.
Dr. K believed in celebrating our heritage and found any excuse to do so. We find it only fitting that he chose to leave us on one of Greece’s most significant days of celebration, Greek Independence Day, our bicentennial no less. A day that recognizes the strength of the Greek spirit is only fitting for this legend.
A dedicated student, there was nothing more important to him than education. He came to the US as a young man to pursue his college education. He worked and studied relentlessly eventually earning several degrees including an M.S. in Education, an M.S. in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Philosophy. He went on to share his love of learning as a University Professor at DeVry University in Chicago where he remained for 40 years.
Throughout his life, Dr. K devoted all of his energy to promoting the Hellenic voice within the USA. Dr. K established the United Hellenic Voters of America in 1973 to bring together Greek Americans and provide a platform to be represented within our government. Over the past 46 years the UHVA has become a powerful voice within the American political scene. He had met with local officials, diplomats and presidents alike. Dr. K impacted so many lives whether it was through recommending and advising Greek-Americans for countless job opportunities, aiding those in need of American citizenship, mentoring his university students, or promoting Hellenism everywhere and anywhere he could. He was a prominent voice in the Greek community and will be sorely missed.
With the spirit of Dr. K in our hearts we ask you to join us in celebrating his life on Tuesday, March 30th
Visitation will be from 10:30am – 11:00am at St. Demetrios Church Elmhurst immediately followed by his funeral at 11:00am. This will be followed by a procession to Arlington Cemetery in Elmhurst. A luncheon will be provided at Empress Banquets in Addison. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. The funeral will be livestreamed on the St. Demetrios FB page.
Please register to attend on Tuesday, March 30th
Due to social distancing guidelines we ask you to register to confirm your attendance at the funeral and/or luncheon.
Did Dr. K impact your life? We want to hear from you!
Tell your story even if you are unable to attend you may click the registration link anyways to send a message, pictures and/or video.
In Lieu of Flowers
Education meant everything to Dr. K. It is within that spirit we ask that in lieu of flowers the United Hellenic Voters of America will provide a scholarship in his name at the 2021 PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Event. Please click here to donate.
