Dimitrios Vetsikas

Dimitrios Vetsikas was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 7, 2022. He was 84. Dimitrios served as a tank commander in the Hellenic Army beginning in 1958 and subsequently rose through the ranks as a young mariner with Aristotle Onassis' Olympic Maritime in Piraeus. In 1969, he moved to Philadelphia and began a 30-year career as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer, piloting supertankers with the Atlantic Richfield Company. He retired as Chief Mate in 1999 and received commendation for a perfect safety record during his tenure. Dimitrios was born in Volos, Greece on June 13, 1938 and was raised by his mother, Aggeliki (nee Santamaria) Vetsikas and his father, Constantinos "Gust" Vetsikas. Dimitrios was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Michelle (nee Spilove). He is survived and deeply cherished by his loving family including his son, Dean, daughter-in-law, Julia (nee Cook), beloved granddaughters, Sophie and Corrina, brother-in-law, Wayne Spilove, sister-in-law, Elaina Spilove, and his nieces, Tiffany Spilove and Samantha Teaford. A joint celebration of life for Dimitrios and Michelle will be held in the fall.