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The Life of Theophilos Constantinidis

Theophilos Constantinidis, 65, of Havertown, owner of Theo's Service Center in Upper Darby, died Saturday of cancer at home.

Mr. Constantinidis studied mechanical engineering in Athens, then served in the Greek air force.

Less than two years after he immigrated to the United States in 1969, he established his automotive-repair business in Upper Darby. His brothers Fotis and Demetri eventually joined him in the business. He loved cars, but never drove anything extravagant until recently, when he acquired a Hummer to delight his grandsons when he drove them to school, his daughter Stephanie Lucot said.

A dedicated member of the Greek American community, Mr. Constantinidis was past president of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby; the Peloponnesian Society of Delaware Valley; and the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association.

He was a true people person, his daughter said, and had a strong work ethic.

When he was 10, Mr. Constantinidis seriously fractured his skull in an accident in Kefalovrisi, his native village. Though his medical care was primitive, he recovered, his daughter said, and felt that God had given him an additional 55 years to live.

In addition to his daughter and brothers, Mr. Constantinidis is survived by his wife of 34 years, Dorothy Agabides Constantinidis; daughters Eleni Kornblatt and Patty McCall; another brother; a sister; and three grandsons.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Luke's Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N. Malin Rd., Broomall. Friends may call at 10 a.m. tomorrow and from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.

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