A Greek community leader that has impacted the Astoria community greatly has passed.

Dennis Syntalis was facing a long time illness, and passed earlier this month, at the age of 85,  survived by his wife, Rita, daughter, Vayia, and their two grandchildren.

 

 

His wake was attended by SenatorMichael Gianaris, who fondly remember Dennis, who was the founder of the Greek-American Homeowners Association.

 

There’s no doubt that Dennis made a difference in the Greek community here. He arrived in the United States in 1956, and since then he had been making a difference in the lives of his fellow residents, and his fellow Greeks.

 

He served as a connection between Greece and Astoria, making new immigrants feel at home, and teaching culture and tradition to the children that were being raised here. He also helped bring Athens Square Park to life – by helping to raise funds for an amphitheater, Greek-style columns and bronze statues of the philosopher Socrates and the goddess Athena.

 

The wake was also attended by Councilmembers Aravella Simotas, and Costa Constantinides.

 

“Dennis Syntalis was a great civic leader who helped make our Greek culture an enduring part of Queens culture,”  Costa quoted to the Times Ledger, “His contributions to Astoria have been longstanding. He was a great example of civic engagement and responsibility throughout his community through his leadership of the Greek Homeowners Association. He also helped found Athens Square, which serves as a community cultural center with its beautiful Greek architecture and neighborhood events. We all miss his presence in Astoria and I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

 

 

Originally reported by Bill Parry of the Times Ledger.