Spiros "Sam" Arfaras

Spiros “Sam” died peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 4, 2024 after living a long and blessed life. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 70 years Joan, their daughters Patti (Jim) Zangardi, Mary (Joe) Kronander, Christina (Rick) Smith, and Cathy (Kelly) Kuennen, grandchildren Nick (Lori), Cristin (Greg), Joe (Michelle), Michael (Amanda), John (Michelle), Samantha (Dylan), Grant, Alexis, and Victoria, and great-grandchildren Nico, Olivia, Gianna, Gabriel, Cooper, and Landon. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Eleni Arfaras, and his sisters Anna Arfaras and Mary (John) Economou.

Sam was born on August 2, 1933 and raised in Akron, Ohio where he met his wife, Joan. He then relocated to the Cleveland area to raise his family and has resided there for the last 65 years. Sam was a loving and devoted family man, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Known for his contagious zest for life and witty sense of humor he was always the star of the room. It was his passion to share his love of the Greek tradition with his friends and his family as a lifetime member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Chapter #63 in Akron.

One of his greatest accomplishments in life was serving as the proud owner of Gem Instrument Company. His relentless work ethic, passion for quality and strong business acumen helped establish the thriving business we have today. He was deeply admired by his employees and peers and well respected among his trade counterparts.

Sam loved being out on the water and enjoyed boating and jet skiing with his family and friends at Chautauqua Lake where he and Joan owned a condominium for over 35 years. When he was not out on the lake you could often find him out on the golf course at Moonbrook Country Club. During his time there he was an active member of the board of the Chautauqua Lake Estates.

We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to his tireless caregivers Holly, Andy, Diane, Greg, Monica, Rosie, Home Instead and the Cleveland Clinic Hospice team. Words cannot express our appreciation for their selfless and loving care for Sam.

Services will be held at 11:00am on TUESDAY, May 7th at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in North Royalton, 4548 Wallings Rd. 44133, with interment to follow at Woodvale Cemetery in Middleburg Heights, 7525 Engle Rd. 44130, with military honors. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am-11:00am.

Memorials may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Hospice , St. Jude , St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church or the AHEPA Chapter #63 in Akron, Ohio.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.