Peabody - Alex Tsoukalas, age 85, passed away on July 2, 2021.

Born in Chios, Greece, Alex lived with his parents and four siblings on a beautiful piece of property that he began caring for at a very young age. As a young man, he was given the opportunity to join the Merchant Marines allowing him to sail around the world and finally settling in Peabody, MA. To say that Alex was driven and a hard-worker is an understatement. He soon founded his own business, A.P.T. Painting Contractors, and began flipping houses.

Along the way he met Demetra, his loving wife of more than 61 years. Alex and Demetra were never apart. They are a glowing example of what true love and commitment really is. Together they settled in Marblehead, where they raised their three children. When Demetra couldn’t find Alex, she simply peeked outside where he would be surrounded by his peonies, daisies, roses and dahlias. Or in his vegetable garden with his enormous tomatoes, cucumbers and squash.

Alex also enjoyed raising birds, mostly finches, and spent many hours swapping stories with his friends who shared similar interests. Alex’s generous nature followed him everywhere. It brought him great joy to share his blessings. When leaving his home he would insist you take a bag of his gorgeous vegetables, or cut some fresh flowers, or take a piece of whichever delicious dish Demetra had made.

Alex lived a very full life. Listening to him share his vivid memories of experiencing World War II as a child was captivating. He had many adventures, but he was most content at home with Demetra, who cared for him there up until the very end. When asking Alex what he wanted for a gift, he would provide the same answer every time: for his family to be together. Family was most important to him, and his family will miss him immensely.

In addition to his wife Demetra, Alex is survived by son Steve Tsoukalas and his wife Gail and their son Alex; son Scott Tsoukalas and his wife Rene and their daughters Olivia and Ella; daughter Deanne Frangiosa and her sons Lucas, Cole and Jonah; sister Eva Nianiahas; sister Katina Liadis and her husband George; and many more caring relatives and friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: A visiting hour will be held at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by at funeral service at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Arrangements by the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Vasilios Church.