Anthony Kouzounis

A Life Well Lived

Kaplan—Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Anthony Kouzounis, 85, who died Tuesday, November 8, 2022.  He will be laid to rest at Cossinade Cemetery with Deacon Bryan Istre officiating the services. Serving as pallbearers will be George Demeris, George Kanakitis, Jacob Roche, Jon Patrick Simpson, Dennis Moustakis, Chris Kaitson, Doug Harris and Steve Caloudas. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Jelson, George Polydoros, Souli Papavasiliou, John Georgiafantis, Nick Dixie, Artie Tropoli, Dr. Eleftherios Stamatiou and Steve Xydis.

Anthony Kouzounis was born October 26, 1937 to Demosthenis K. Kouzounis (father) and Smaro Hatziantoniou Kouzounis (mother) in Thessaloniki, Greece. His childhood in Greece was tumultuous. He was raised during the German invasion of WWII. Because of the war’s devastation, the family was so poor they only had a wall to call home. He spent years fleeing with his family from Mussolini (after losing a brother and hiding under a church). He recalled frequently how the US Army rescued his family from under the church and how the servicemen were extremely nice to everyone, especially him. He was only 8 years old!

The Kouzounis family arrived in the United States under protection of the Greek Orthodox Church in 1945 at the close of WWII. Ever industrious, Anthony would always hold a job to help the family while attending school and providing support to the growing Greek community. Anthony graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1956 and continued towards a higher education at the University of Houston. Anthony graduated from the University of Houston in 1960, was a proud member of the Sigma Nu National Fraternity, and held several jobs including cleaning cages for lab animals before working for the City of Houston. On his corporate climb, Anthony left the City to pursue his dream job of working for Aristotle Onassis’ Olympic Airways for more than 12 years.

Ever the entrepreneur, Anthony's transition to real estate was to define him for the rest of his life. Anthony led a successful Real Estate Management firm in Houston for more than 40 years. Through real estate, Anthony created the opportunity provide a service to the community unsurpassed by few. In his private life, Anthony has served as former President and Board of Trustees Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral; Co-founder and former President Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest; Founder and Co-Chairman Houston-Athens Marathon Exchange (33 years); former Board Member and President, AHEPA 29 Charitable Foundation; Founder Pan Macedonian-American Farm School Student Exchange Program; Founder and Chairman Texas Music Library and Research Center; former Board Member and Treasurer Texas Global Education and Cultural Exchange Program; Co-founder Hellenic Professional Society of Texas; former President SKAL International (Houston Chapter), among many other accolades. He received numerous awards, but his most coveted are The Saint Andrew Medal for Community Service (presented to him by Archbishop Iakovos) and his most recent Order of AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Notwithstanding, Anthony’s true love was the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). Anthony Kouzounis’ journey with the AHEPA family spans more than 57 years. PST James Petheriotes, PSS Nick C. Demeris and PSP James Scofield were Kouzounis' sponsors and mentors. Anthony's dedication to the organization encompassed service as Supreme President and all other Supreme Lodge offices; District 16 and Chapter 29 offices; President Alexander the Great Chapter #29; Chairman October 28th Commemoration Committee; Executive Committee Member National Convention (1976 and 1996); Executive Committee Member AHEPA 29 Phase I, II, & III HUD; Delegate International Justice for Cyprus Committee 1974 – 1976; Delegate AHEPA Family Capitol Hill Day Committee; numerous special projects, membership drives and fundraising committees; and President Sons of Pericles (Sam Houston Chapter #89) just to name a few. Anthony contributed his support and guidance to local, district and national projects and dedicated his time to mentoring aspiring brothers throughout his tenure.

He is survived by his lifelong companion and loving wife, Mildred “Millie” Roché; a brother, Demo Kouzounis; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and 34 great-great nieces and nephews. Anthony leaves an astounding legacy of love, care and community service for so many from a little Greek boy who had to hide under a church. Amazing!

He was preceded in death by his parents; and an older brother.

In lieu of flowers you are asked to donate to the AHEPA 29 Charitable Foundation, 3511 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, Texas 77006, Houston Habitat for Humanity, 3750 N. McCarty Street, Houston, Texas 77029 or the charity of your choice.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM until the time of the services at11:00 AM.