Posted on 02/12/2020
Steven Vamvakis (January 12, 1954 – February 2, 2020)
Steven Nicholas Vamvakis, 66, of Naples Fl, formerly of Newport and East Greenwich RI and Tucson, Arizona, passed away at home, on Sunday, February 2, 2020, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.
Born in Philadelphia PA on January 12, 1954, he was the son of Nicholas and Martha (Harriman) Vamvakis. He attended the US Naval Academy, (where he also played football), Montclair State University and Temple University, earning a BA in Chemistry and Math, and a master’s degree in chemistry.
Steve was a Commander in the US Navy, working as a Surface Warfare Officer and Special Operations Officer, until 1983.
Steve worked at Bendix as a Program Manager, Chief Engineer, and Systems Engineer, from 1983-1990.
He then worked for Honeywell, Alliant Tech Systems, Hughes Aircraft, and Raytheon, as Business Director, Technical Director, Chief Engineer, and Engineering Director on various programs, from 1990-2016. While working at Raytheon, he met the love of his life, Carolyn, and they were married August 3, 2001.
Steve retired to Naples, Florida, with his wife Carolyn, where he enjoyed golf, fishing, the beach, boating and poker with the boys. He loved telling stories, and his audiences were mesmerized by his many exploits and adventures. He was loved by all who knew him. He was an avid Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He was thrilled to watch his team finally win the Super Bowl! He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a true friend to all who were fortunate to know him.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Martley) Vamvakis, son Matthew & daughter-in-law Rachel, of Summit NJ, stepson, Bill Roland & wife Julie of East Greenwich RI, stepson, James Roland & wife Melanie, of New York City., and 4 wonderful grandchildren, Ethan, Michael, Olivia and Ellie, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his brother, Christopher Vamvakis, of Phoenix Az , and his cousins, John Lalanas, John Chalaris, Nicholas Chalaris, and his aunt, Barbara Chalaris. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Barbara Chu of Vancouver Washington.
A memorial service will be held at 10 am, March 28, 2020 at Naples Funeral Home, 3107 Davis Blvd, followed by a reception at Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club, 7065 Hamilton Ave, Naples Fl.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 27, 2020, at 3pm, at the Elks Lodge, 141 Pelham St. Newport, RI.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Lazarex Cancer Foundation. http://www.lazarex.org/.
Naples Funeral Home
3107 Davis Boulevard, Naples, FL 34104
239-775-4255
naplesfuneralhome@gmail.com
https://www.naplesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mr-steven-vamvakis/