Anthony Louis Orphanos (Born Jan 28, 1925 Died April 19, 2019) first generation Greek American born in Canton MA to Louis and Anastasia Orphanos, preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Sophia Spanos, and his brother Peter Orphanos of Randolph MA. He graduated Boston Latin High School and was drafted into the US Army in 1943.
He served in the Philippines during WWII, 174th Engineers Combat Battalion, Company A, 2nd Platoon, 2nd Squad. He saw action and was the fourth wave amphibious landing October 20, 1944 on the island of Leyte, and sixth wave amphibious landing April 1st 1945 on the island of Okinawa. He was a purple heart recipient. A Japanese Garrison prisoner exchange took him to Korea in 1945.
Returning to the states he met and married Sophia Spanos and was married to her until her death in November of 2017. He attended and graduated Boston University before beginning his career in aviation. Working with Sykorsky Helicopter in Connecticut, he and a pilot rescued over 40 people during the Connecticut River Valley flood of 1955. For his bravery he was awarded the Winged S given for the saving of human life. He worked for 40 years in aviation for Eastern Airlines followed by 9 years as an inspector for the FAA in flight standards until his retirement. Tony was an avid golfer and after leaving the FAA pursued his passion for the game of golf. He became a starter for Green Meadow G.C. in Hudson NH and Trull Brook in Tewksbury MA. He had an acerbic wit, an irreverent and brilliant sense of humor, especially on the golf course.
He leaves behind his daughter Audrey Orphanos and son Peter Orphanos of Lowell MA. Peter’s children Sergey, Evanthe, and Tasia, his son Louis Orphanos and his wife JoLynne of Washington DC, and their children Stacy, Phillip, Lindsay, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life memorial will be held at a later date in May.
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