Costas (Gus) Tzoannopoulos

Costas Tzoannopoulos (“Gus”), a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather aged 90, peacefully fell asleep to the Lord, surrounded by his loving family on February 22, 2026, at Stamford Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents and brother John Tzoannopoulos. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Kalli Tzoannopoulos; his son, Chris Tzoannopoulos; his daughter, Eugenia Tzoannopoulos; his son-in-law, Igor Laba; and his cherished grandson, Alexander Laba, along with a nephew, nieces, and their families. Costas was born on October 8, 1935, in the small mountain village of Goumero in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese, Greece, to Christos Tzoannopoulos and Evyenia Anastospoulou.

Hard work became a part of his life at a very young age. After the passing of his father when Costas was just 12 years old, he took on the burden of the duties left by his father onto himself to help his family stand and survive with dignity. A child himself, he helped care for his mother and younger brother, a responsibility that shaped his strength and character for the rest of his life. Through the support of an uncle, Costas left his village to attend high school in Athens. After graduating, he worked in various bakeries and pastry shops before immigrating to the United States at the age of 24 in search of opportunity. Arriving with little money and without speaking the language, Costas relied on his outgoing and warm personality to build friendships that became lifelong bonds. Together with fellow Greek immigrants, he navigated difficult early years, sharing work, meals, and a sense of hope for the future. Costas was a generous man and would share his meals and anything he had with those he loved; even when he didn’t have much.

In 1971, Costas returned to Greece, his old village, where he met the love of his life, Kalli. Their love story was one of courage and devotion. They married in Greece, and she then left with him to begin their life together in America. They were married in December 1972 and started their family in 1973 with the birth of their son Chris, followed two years later by their daughter Eugenia. A tireless provider, Costas worked several jobs a day throughout his life to support his family. He worked in many restaurants across Stamford, Connecticut, always treating each workplace as if it were his own. In 1980, he fulfilled a dream by owning and operating a cafeteria inside an office building, pouring his heart into serving customers and building relationships. After the building relocated, he continued working in restaurants and pizza shops, never losing his passion for serving others.

For the last 25 years, Stamford residents knew his familiar face as the cashier at his family’s deli, Giovana’s Deli. Costas loved going to work each day. It made his day to be able to connect with customers. Customers loved him so. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and was grateful for their business and it showed with every interaction. Many will remember his famous “have a happy day” and many philosophical conversations and quotes he developed along his tough journey on this earth. Working brought him purpose and joy, and he continued until shortly after turning 90 — only stepping away when his health no longer allowed him to do what he loved. Until his last breath, his goal was to get back to the deli to work. Most of his life was work, but he did also find joy in the small things. In his younger years, Costas enjoyed fishing for snappers, playing poker, spending time at the kafenio with friends, watching soccer, Greek films and shows, and listening to Greek music. He was the life of the party at weddings or another social event. You would find him on the dance floor to the very end. Above all, he loved his family deeply. There was nothing more important than his family. Everything he did was for his family. His face would light up whenever he spoke about his children and grandson, whom he loved with all his heart. In Greek he would say “I would die for my kids” - Τα παιδάκια μου! πεθαίνω για τα παιδάκια μου. Costas was selfless, generous, and kind. He had an energy and a sparkle that was infectious. No matter what challenges he faced, he carried a warm smile and an unwavering sense of positivity. He taught his children that hard work, humility, and perseverance could make anything possible, and he took immense pride in all they accomplished. He touched so many people on his journey on earth. He was one of a kind and left an imprint on everyone he crossed paths with. His legacy lives on through each and every one of us.

Wake services will be held at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1 PM to 4 PM, with a Trisagion service beginning at 3:30 PM. The funeral service will take place on Monday, March 2nd at 11 AM at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06905. The interment will follow the service at St. John Cemetery in Darien, CT.

Our hearts are forever changed by the loss of our beloved father. To us, he was more than a husband, father, and grandfather; he was our constant source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love. His smile could light up any room, and his gentle spirit made everyone feel welcome and safe. He taught us through example that kindness costs nothing, hard work builds a meaningful life, and family is everything. Though we feel an immeasurable void, we find comfort in the countless memories he gave us; the laughter, the lessons, and the quiet moments that shaped who we are. We will honor him by carrying forward his positivity, his generosity, and all that he stood for.

Dad, your love will guide us always. You will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten. We will continue to make you proud. Until we meet again!

To leave an online message of condolence please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.