Dimitrios E Fortseras

Dimitrios E. Fortseras, 74, surrounded by his loving family, passed away March 13, 2023.  He was a resident of Tallmadge, Ohio for 35 years.

Dimitri was born in Athens, Greece on May 8, 1948 to Eleftherios and Maria Fortseras. He was raised in Athens where he completed high school, 2 years of architectural college, and served in the Greek Army. In 1970, Dimitri, like so many, left his homeland in search of the American dream, eventually working with his future father-in-law and mentor, Gus Lerakis.  He leaves the legacy of his family business to his sons and grandsons.

It wasn't long before he caught the eye of young Janette Lerakis. They were married in 1972 and together they began their own journey, a legacy of love and family. He will always be remembered for his leadership, humility, sharp wit and phenomenal sense of humor. He had a truly giving heart. His acts of service required no recognition. A true man of God that led by example. 

1 Peter 5:6-7

 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Dimitri was an active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron, the Ohio Operating Engineers Local #18 and the Akron Chapter of АНЕРА. He enjoyed traveling to Tarpon Springs, FL and Greece to visit family and friends. He had a passion for cooking Sunday dinners for the family.

He lived his life in the light. He listened more than he spoke. Though sometimes a man of few words, he always said what he meant, and meant what he said. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be missed beyond measure by countless friends, family, and employees. Our earthly loss is heaven's gain.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eleftherios and Maria Fortseras, brother, Elias Fortseras and godson, Andreas Diamantopoulos.

Dimitri is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Janette; sons, Ted Fortseras, Gus (Renee) Fortseras and daughter, Maria (Jonathon) Bollas; grandchildren, Lasha Fortseras (27), Dimitri Fortseras (24), Maria Fortseras (23), Gus Fortseras (19), Teddy Fortseras (14), Olivia Bollas (7) and Elias Bollas (3); his loving sister, Yota (Takis) Chatziskouli of Athens, Greece. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and so many friends and family in the United States and Greece.

We want to extend our deepest thank you to the numerous nurses and doctors involved in his care at Cleveland Clinic/Akron General Hospital System.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1-4 pm at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Avenue (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle).

Trisagion Service will begin at 1:30pm.

Funeral service will be at 10 am, Monday, March 20, 2023 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron with Father Dean Kokanos officiating. Interment will be at Tallmadge Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union Street, Akron, Ohio 44304 or the American Red Cross.

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