SOUTH PORTLAND – Harry Koukos, 100 years young, son of Angelos and Olga Yiotos Koukos, died as he wished surrounded by family in his home on May 22, 2024.

Harry emigrated from Politsani, Albania at the age of 13 in 1937. Here he joined his sister and father, leaving his mother behind. This emptiness he carried until his death, and is evident as Harry instilled the importance of family to his own children, wanting us close at all times.

At 17 Harry joined the 45th Division Infantry, during WWII, serving his adopted country proudly despite not yet being an American citizen. Harry saw many battles including Anzio Beach, he earned his Purple Heart while serving in the south of France.

Harry met the love of his life, Maria, at a social function. It was love at first sight for both, they married 26 days later and have shared over 73 years together. Harry and Maria loved attending Greek dances, where they danced and sang well into the night, despite coming right from work. They did love to sing!

Harry supported his growing family as one of the owners of Fessenden Square Market in Portland. In 1964, Harry and Maria purchased the Market Basket in South Portland and there along with their children were honored to be part of the lives of the many regular customers who came in daily. Of course he called most customers “Cous” since he couldn’t remember their names. Many tears and many more laughs were shared at The Market Basket, where having a sense of humor was key to surviving the challenges of life; Harry has passed this skill down to his children. “What A Bargain!”

Greek culture and the church were very important to Harry. His family enjoyed Greek traditions together, but watch out he cheated cracking eggs at Easter! Harry was an active member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for many decades, where he served on the Parish Council. His devotion to God was evident as he did his cross every time he got in the car. Many attribute this to his never getting in an accident, but he may have caused a few around him! Harry was a lifelong member of the order of AHEPA, where he served as President. Harry was also a Mason for over 50 years.

Harry loved cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events, often announcing his “arrival” at baseball games by setting off his car alarm. He was one proud “Papou”.

As a lifelong Red Sox fan, the game was always on at the Koukos house. Harry also enjoyed spending his time bowling, washing his bowling balls every week. Evening walks with Bill Pappas and Peter Drivas were very much missed after their passing. And nothing put a smile on his face like winning a dollar at backgammon.

Living to 100 brings knowledge and experience most will never know, Harry has summed up his wisdom with these words, “If I had one wish it would be to erase the word hate and replace it with love.”

Harry was predeceased by his parents; sister Athena Nanos, brother Harry (his name sake); niece Christine Nicholas; special sister-in-law and brothers-in-law in Greece and best friend Spiro Christie.

Harry is survived by his wife, Maria; children (or as he called treasures), Jean (Mark) Butler, Olga (Rev. Demetri) Kangelaris, Angelo Koukos, Louie (Peggy) Koukos, George (Darlene) Koukos, Stephanie (Aaron) Bourassa; grandchildren Katina, Michael, Lexy, Margaret, Emma, Haley, Sydney, Delphi and Fischer; great grandchildren Hunter and Blake; and several close family relatives in Greece.

The family would love to express our eternal gratitude to the VA that treated their dad like royalty and allowed him to receive impeccable care from Elara Caring, with a special thank you to Nicole. You truly made his life more enriched. Thank you Maine Medical Center for your loving care. Thank you Hospice of Southern Maine for your service that is Divine in every sense of the word.

Visiting hours will be held from 11:30 – 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 133 Pleasant St. Portland, where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in his memory

may be made to:

Holy Trinity Church or:

Portland VA Clinic

141 West Commercial St.

Portland, ME 04102



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