A proud veteran, Stavros served in the United States Marine Corps in various frontline duty stations and in duties that remain untold. His career in the Marines started shortly before he graduated from William Penn High School in 1960, and while attending two years at York University until 1962, fully committing his life to the service of his nation. He earned his stripes serving on the frontlines of every conflict from Vietnam, Beirut, to Desert Storm until his retirement, battered and worn with 100% disability… and still willing to serve on.
Stavros continued to serve those of the family of Marines and Corpsmen that he respected so deeply.
He was a member of multiple Veterans Service Organizations, including the Marine Corps League, VFW, Purple Heart, and served as the longest-serving Sergeant of Arms of the Military Order of the Lancers.
Over his many years of service, his Military Duties and the baggage that came with such duties had high costs. Those who did not serve at the level of his duty often did not understand the loyalties and sacrifices that go with such duties… the pain that comes in family, the emotions endured, the broken pieces one buries deep within the soul… Stavros spoke quietly of those regrets… Boldly about his children and that he always felt deserved more than he could give, but never compromised his service.
Stavros described his son Stephanos as too much like him, but a good man. He described his son Christopher as intelligent, sometimes too much so, yet great at math, of which Stavros was very proud. He often shared that his daughter, Katarina Maria, was very caring, demonstrated by her unwavering desire to look after any animal she encountered.
He told his closest friends he wished he had been a better father… He carried the weight of feeling that he could not be the person he wanted to be, knowing he would never be able to explain the things he wished he could. He wished his kids could better know just how much he really did love them, the things he regretted, the things he treasured about them… how proud he really was.
Stavros, like many who served, had a complex life filled with more adventure, challenge, risk, pain, pride, and achievement than most who never served could ever comprehend. He lived the life of a Marine. He is remembered by his closest friends as a good warrior and an even better friend.
In the last years of his life, Stavros faced many challenges, and in his own words, finally found a woman he truly loved, his second wife Stephanie, who remained with him until his last conscious hour. Her son, Stephen, he welcomed into his family as one of his own.
Those that truly knew Stavros know that he didn’t like funerals. “I want people to remember me alive… not in a box,” he used to say. “Let them wake up one day and find out that I have left on the greatest journey I have ever been on, and that I will see them again one day when our paths cross.” “Celebrate… do not mourn.. where I am going, I am not sad”.
Arrangements are being made at this time for a public “Celebration of Life and Remembrance” to be held as Stavros wished on his Birthday. The location and time will be announced soon. “Maybe we get them all together, see the good I see in each of them. Perhaps they can smile, let go of the past, and all get along, and think of some good we shared,” he commented to a close friend.
A “Memory Stone” will be placed at a later date at a place designated by Stavros. That location will only be shared with his family. The stone will read, “Here is a place to remember a warrior, saved by grace, a man who loved the adventure of life, a Marine. Stavros Demetrios Chantiles”.
No Comments