Louis P. Tsihlis, 87

Louis P. Tsihlis, age 87, a long-time resident of Wilmington, died peacefully on April 13, 2013, at the Winchester Hospital.  Louis was born on September 13, 1925, in Cambridge, MA, he was the dear son of the late Philip and Athanasia (Haritos) Tsihlis.  Lou was raised and educated in Cambridge and was a graduate of Rindge Technical High School.

Following High School, Lou enlisted in the United States Navy on September 10, 1943, during World War II.  While serving overseas, Lou served aboard the USS LSM 203 and the USS LSM 474, as a Motor Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class.  Lou was awarded several commendations including the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon 1 -Star, and the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon 2-Stars.  Lou was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946 and returned home to his family in Cambridge.

Lou was very proud to be a Veteran, he was a member of the VFW Post 2458 in Wilmington, a life member of the National LSM Association in Boston, he enjoyed traveling to his many Navy reunions over the years and he even hosted a reunion for his Navy buddies where everyone had a great time.

When Lou returned from the Navy he took a job at J. W. Greer Manufacturing Company and that is where he met the “love of his life” Effie Bayiates, a co-worker.  Lou was very smitten with Effie and the couple married on November 23, 1952 and settled in Cambridge.  When J. W. Greer re-located to Wilmington, Lou and Effie stayed with the company and also moved to Wilmington in 1954.  Lou worked for the J.W. Greer Manufacturing Company until it closed in 1975.  Lou later found work at the Varian Extrion Companies, in Woburn and Gloucester, from which he reluctantly retired in 1990.

Lou and Effie had a wonderful life together, they settled into a great neighborhood in Wilmington, raised three beautiful children and always made family their priority.  Lou loved his home, he was always “puttering” around and doing small construction jobs.  Lou was a “jack of all trades”, if you needed something fixed, Lou was there to lend a hand.  Lou was also a good friend and neighbor, he and Effie made many friendships that lasted throughout the years.
Lou and Effie shared nearly 26 years of marriage before her untimely passing in 1978 which left Lou with a broken heart and a young family to raise.  Lou stood up to the task and enjoyed many years as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Lou will be remembered as an avid Boston sports fan, taking in many games with family and friends.  Lou was quiet, kind, and very friendly, he would often be sitting out on his front stairs waving to the neighbors or just someone passing by.  As a Mason, Lou also gave of himself and his time to the community, again lending a hand where needed.  Lou was a dedicated family man and a true friend to many, he will be greatly missed.

Lou was the beloved husband of the late Effie (Bayiates) Tsihlis, dear father of Stephen L. Tsihlis and his wife Roberta of West Brookfield, MA, Elaine M. Stultz and her husband John of Ft. Myers, FL, and Katherine G. Higgins and her husband David of Tewksbury, loving “Papou” of Matthew, Nicole and her fiancé Joseph, Benjamin, David, Rachel, Erin, and great-grandchildren Jacob and Blake, brother of James Tsihlis and his wife Maria of Arlington, and the late Georgia Chockrek, brother-in-law of Mary Stamatouras of Portsmouth, NH, Agnes and Robert Murphy of Somerville, father-in-law of Mary Ellen Tsihlis of North Brookfield, Lou is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, April 18th at 10:00 a.m.  Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 17th from 4-8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers donations in Louis’ name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box, 758517, Topeka, KS  66675.