Carl Gregory Vouros

Newport, RI - Rev. Protopresbyter Carl G. Vouros, 84, of 37 Castle Hill Avenue, Newport, RI, formerly of 94 Mast Street, Jamestown, RI, and New Britain, CT, died Sunday, October 19, 2003, at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.He was the husband of Krisowla Morris Vouros. Born in Boston, MA, on June 9, 1919, he was the son of the late Gregory C. and Kalliope Bartis Vouros who were born in Mytilene, Greece, and immigrated to Boston. Rev. Vouros entered the Greek Orthodox Holy Cross Seminary in Pomfret on September 15, 1938, and was Subdeacon for His Grace Bishop Athenagoras, Bishop of Boston and Dean of the Seminary. He was ordained Deacon in Southboro, MA, in 1944, and served as Priest of St. Spyridon Church in Newport that same year. Later he was assigned to the parish of Roanoke, VA, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church where he served for ten years and assisted building other churches in Lynchburg, VA, and Danville, VA. While in Roanoke, Father Vouros was Chaplain at the Veterans Hospital in White Sulfur Springs, W. VA, the Wilson Army Hospital in Waynesboro, VA, and Camp Picket in Farmville, VA. He also served the communities of Charleston, W. VA, and Charlottesville, VA. In 1954, Rev. Vouros was assigned to a new parish in New Britain, CT, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. He served the parish for 32 years before retiring in 1985. While there he worked to erect a new Cultural Center, and was involved in many aspects of the community. He was Chaplain of the New Britain Fire Department for over fifteen years and was cited for outstanding dedication to duty for his work. He also served as Fire Commissioner for 8 years, Chaplain of the CT State Police for fourteen years, a member of the New Britain Solicitations Review Board for 9 years, and Chairman of the Interfaith Housing Corporation until his death. He also assisted in building a new Byzantine Church in Bristol, CT, where he served as weekend priest for 8-1/2 years after his retirement. Rev. Vouros later became part-time Chaplain at the UConn Byzantine Chapel and held services there until last year and was honored for his work and contributions to Greek culture. Rev. Vouros was respected and loved by his friends, family, and parishioners and was proud of his Greek heritage and work in the church. He was an avid gardener and reader. We will all miss him. Besides his wife of 59 years, he is survived by four children, Kathryn ?Kate? Leonard of Newport, RI, Joan Ruel of New Britain, CT, Gregory Vouros of Seattle, WA, and Vanthia Vouros-Chase of Tiverton, RI; four grandchildren, Christopher Ruel, and Jessica, Ashley and Alexander Chase; four sisters, Florence Diomandes of Newport, RI, Georgia Pappas of Newport, RI, Marie Mihos of Easton, MA, and Theresa Sarris of Brockton, MA. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Vouros. The body will lie in state for viewing at St. Spyridon Church, 390 Thames Street, Newport, from 4-8pm, on Thursday, October 23, 2003. A Trisagion will be chanted at 7:00PM in the church. On Friday at 9:00AM the Orthros will be chanted followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30AM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM. Burial will be in Middletown Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the Rev. Carl Vouros Scholarship Fund, C/O Kate Leonard, 37 Castle Hill Avenue, Newport, RI, 02840.