Constantine " Gus" Demaris

Constantine "Gus" Demaris passed away June 3rd at the age of 89.
Gus was born in Mahonoy City, PA on May 20, 1927. He went to Greece at the age of two. When WWII broke out and travel to America ceased, he lived with extended family until the war ended. After VE Day, he was finally able to return to America. Gus returned to the United States in 1945 and was drafted into the army shortly after.
During WWII Gus experienced impoverished hardships in the mountains of Kerasovo, Greece. In the US Army he was in the 63rd artillery unit - the first to enter the Korean War. Only 23 soldiers in his platoon survived. Gus was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
While on a mountain in Korea Gus asked in prayer why God would take him from one mountainous hell to another. But in the decades that followed Gus always believed the hardships he endured in youth and in war helped teach him to treasure life and every blessing that followed.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, Gus furthered his education and began his career in corporate hospitality. In 1965 he married Deanne Trent and together they celebrated 50 years of marriage, two daughters and 6 grandchildren.
Gus is survived by his loving wife, Deanne; adoring daughter, Michele Buzzie; son-in-law, David and grandchildren, Julia, Anthony, Zachary, Josh, Abby, Becca and Emily; devoted daughter, Maria Williams; son-in-law, Bryan and grandchildren, Hannah, Rachel and Constantine.
Gus lived completely devoted to his family and his Greek Orthodox faith. His infectious smile and laugh revealed his genuine affection and concern for others. Gus became the happy and beloved patriarch of an extended Greek American family in five states. He believed completely, "This is the day the Lord has made; we will be happy and rejoice in it." Psalm 118:24.
Gus is preceded in death by his parents George and Efterpi. He is together again with the three brothers he loved and cared for: John, Peter, and Louis.
Gus witnessed first-hand the life-changing power Camp Nazareth had on his daughters and grandchildren which is why the family asks that in lieu of flowers his memory be honored with a donation to the Fr. George and Presbytera Zafera Bartz Camp Scholarship Fund, c/o Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, Ohio 44304.
Services will be held 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Rev. Fr. Jerry F. Hall and Fr. Andrew Lentz officiating. Interment 10 a.m. THURSDAY at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville, Ohio 44273. Friends may call at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)