Obituary of Stephen (Efstathios) Stephanides

Salem- Stephen (Efstathios) Stephanides 63, beloved husband of Deborah Stephanides, passed away following a long courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on December 11, 2020 with his beloved wife by his side. Born in Greece, he was the son of Anastasia (Porgiazides) Stephanides and the late Theodore Stephanides. Stephen was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1977. Stephen has been an active member of his Greek Orthodox church community, St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church ever since they brought his family to this country from Greece. Stephen served on the parish council, Men’s club executive board and led the annual Greek festival and youth basketball program. The church and the church community meant the world to him. Stephen worked alongside his brothers at Super Seven Subs and Pizza. Stephen was the true definition of caring, selfless and hardworking. He never once lost hope or faith during his fight with cancer. No matter how he felt day in and day out, he would always ask you how you were doing and how your day was first. His smile warmed a room, and his laugh echoed. If Greek music started to play in any setting, he would be the first to stand up and dance. He was the most loving and supportive father and Papou and was so proud of his children. In addition to his wife, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage, Stephen is survived by his mother, Anastasia Stephanides of Salem, his son, Zachary Stephanides of Salem, his daughter, Katrina and her husband Cesar Mancebo of Salem, his granddaughter, Alexia Despina Mancebo and six brothers, Dimitrios, Yianni, Konstantinos, Avraum, Lazaros, Vasilios, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Arrangements: A visitation will be held at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody, on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 4 to 8 p.m. Family and friends will gather for Stephen’s funeral service at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. All attendees are required to wear a mask and adhere to social distance guidelines. Given the environment in which we are living, a celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at a later date when we can gather, share memories, and toast to an individual who brought so many laughs and smiles to all who knew him.