Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 28, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Charalabos “Bobby” Tsiabassis, of Charlotte passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Bobby was born on February 10, 1957, in Paparousi, Evrytanias Greece. Although he lived in Athens during his youth, he remained enamored by the village life of his birthplace.  He immigrated to Charlotte in 1976 to attend UNCC.  He studied English in Greece for six years in preparation for college; while continuing his education here he was able to master the language, excelling in his computer science and economics studies.  During college, he worked at Sandpiper Restaurant, where he met some of his dearest lifelong friends.  After graduating, he worked at White Business Machines perfecting his natural selling skills.  Later, along with partners Kal Kardous, Barry Houser, Randy Sides, and Joe Gamble, they founded Charlotte Copy Data.

He met the love of his life, Frances, in 1976, just days after arriving in Charlotte.  It was the beginning of a special connection between the two of them.  They went on to have their lovely daughter, Leah, whom he adored and fondly called “Sousou.”

Bobby was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, serving in many capacities, including the Parish Council, the Yiasou Festival, and teaching Sunday School.  He was particularly close with our beloved longtime priest, the late Reverend Father Phaethon Constantinides, “Fr. C.”  In addition, Bobby was an active member of the Evrytanian Association, where he enjoyed serving on the Scholarship Committee.

As a life-long learner with a thirst for knowledge, Bobby was a “Renaissance Man” and “Craftsman” of sorts.  After retiring, he continued to pursue his many interests and hobbies, including reading, raising chickens, and carpentry.  He was also a master beekeeper and was proud to share his knowledge and skills with others.  His friends and family appreciated the bounty of honey and eggs he provided.

Bobby was a silent steward to many, and he will be remembered for his warm smile, engaging presence, inquisitive nature, and his way of making everyone feel special, as he was interested in truly knowing others.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Frances; his beloved daughter, Leah Tsiabassis; his sister, Voula Pappas and her husband, Mike, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren, both here and in Greece.  He was preceded in death by his father, Athanasios Tsiabassis, and mother, Eleni Tsiabassis.

Bobby’s family would like to thank his doctors at Levine Cancer Institute: Dr. Catherine Frenkel, Dr. Roshan Prabhu, and Dr. Jennifer Atlas, whose caring nature softened this difficult journey.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Resmini and Rev. Fr. Christian Siskos officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed at: https://vimeo.com/event/201751 for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Foundation, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203, or the Panagia Prousiotissa Chapel at Elatos Park, P.O. Box 77114, Charlotte, NC 28271.

May his memory be eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.