Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 24, 2019

Eleftherios “Victor” Arethas of Charlotte, NC fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2019 succumbing to complications from lung cancer. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. Victor immigrated to the United States in 1969 and was a long-time restaurant owner. The community will remember him for his good food, warm hospitality and infections humor, having owned and operated Zoi’s Delicatessen in Southpark Mall, the Meadowview Steakhouse, That’s A Pizza and multiple Mayflower Seafood Family Restaurants in North and South Carolina. 

Victor was born on July 1, 1944 in Lefkada, Greece on Meganisi, a small island in the Ionian Sea, to the late Joanna Politis and Andreas Arethas. He went on to study at the Poros Naval School and then served in the Greek Army. After completing his military duty, he became a merchant sailor, eventually making his way to the United States, settling in Charlotte, NC to be near family members, Phillip and Maria Katopodis and began a career as a restauranteur.

Victor was known for his generous and warm spirit or “Filoxenia.” Although he was a man of few words he was always heard. He loved his family and friends deeply. His wit, humor and easy-going nature always attracted company. He was carefree and always ready to crack a joke often lightheartedly at others. In retirement, Victor enjoyed his growing family and was loved by his children and grandchildren. He had a sincerity and deep affection for those he loved. He had a simple faith in God and a simple belief in life. 

Victor is survived by his wife of forty years, Fani; children, Christina; Andreas and wife, Jill, Stefanos and wife, Allison, Dimitrios and wife, Holli; grandchildren, Anastasia, Theodore, Theophany, Melina and soon-to-be-born grandson John; sister, Niki Stagolinou and brother, Haralambous of Greece. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Gabriel Jordan. 

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd. in Charlotte.  The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to International Orthodox Christian Charities (https://iocc.org) or The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/) 

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