Kalliopi “Popi” Rontinonis, a longtime resident of Yatesville Borough was surrounded by all her loving family when she passed away Saturday afternoon, December 30, 2017 at home.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Savas, who passed away December 1, 2015. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Nicholas Saroukou, of Sydney, Australia and son-in-law, Michael R. Tullo, of Yatesville.
Born in Kalymnos, Greece on September 15, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Katerina Frazi Saroukou. She migrated to Germany with her family, where her husband was employed by a major construction company for 15 years. The family later migrated to the United States and settled in Pittston, Yatesville Borough. She worked as a seamstress for many years at Blum Bros. in Wilkes-Barre and later opened her own business, the Golden Needle, located in the Provincial Towers, Wilkes-Barre.
Known as “Popi” to all who loved her, she was truly loving, kind, generous, thoughtful, caring, and very giving; she had a huge heart and a smile that would light up anywhere she would go. She made herself available to anyone who needed her help, no matter what the sacrifice. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother and the most incredible wife to her husband, Savas. Popi was exceptionally skilled in the kitchen and found great joy in cooking and baking. She was known for her Greek pastries and for always giving to all her friends and neighbors.
She is survived by her son, Steve Rontinonis and wife Debra, Wilkes-Barre; two daughters, Cathy Tullo, and Denise Vavlas and husband Notis, Pittston; and her five grandchildren, Georgio, Savina, Valentina, and Andreanna Vavlas and Natasha Tullo, who were her greatest joys in life.
Her entire family is very grateful and would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Charles M. Manganiello and staff for the loving and compassionate care given throughout the many years in which he cared for Popi as well as to the staff of Homebound Health Services, Inc., especially Marcia for her loving care.
Friends may call Sunday, January 7, 2018, from 4 – 7 pm at the Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William St., Pittston with Trisagion Service at 4:30 pm. The funeral Mass will be held Monday, January 8, 2018 at 10 am in Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 E. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church. Internment, Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville.