Evangelos “Angelo” Theodorogiannis, born on May 18, 1950, in Karpenisi, Greece, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, sacrifice, perseverance, and unconditional love.
In 1974, Angelo courageously immigrated to the United States to join his brother and sister in pursuit of greater opportunity and a brighter future. Carrying with him the enduring values of his Greek heritage — devotion to family, deep faith, humility, hospitality, and an unwavering work ethic — he built a life defined not by what he accumulated, but by what he gave to others.
In 1975, he married the love of his life, Ourania (Nia) Kokinos Theodorogiannis. Their partnership was the foundation of a home filled with warmth, laughter, tradition, and steadfast support for one another through every season of life.
Angelo was a proud and loving father to Zoe Theodorogiannis Bobotsiares (Panagiote), Anastasia Theodorogiannis, and Constantine Theodorogiannis (Emily). Nothing brought him greater joy than his role as “Pappou” to his beloved grandchildren, Georgia and Stavros Bobotsiares, whom he adored beyond measure. He is also survived by his loving sister, Angeliki Canavos, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Konstantinos and Zoe Theodorogiannis, and by his brother, Nick Theodor.
To many throughout the community, Angelo was best known as the proud owner of Angelo’s Steak and Pancake House, the restaurant he owned along with his son Costa that became not only his livelihood, but an extension of his heart and hospitality. For decades, he was a daily presence there — greeting customers by name, sharing stories, offering laughter, and making everyone who walked through the doors feel like family. He took immense pride in his work and in the relationships he built with loyal customers, dedicated staff, and friends who became part of the Angelo’s family over the years.
Beyond the restaurant, Angelo and his son Costa quietly gave back to the community he loved. He was especially proud to support the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank each Thanksgiving, believing deeply in helping others and ensuring families could gather around a warm meal during the holidays.
Known for his sharp sense of humor and love of a good joke, Angelo had a way of making people smile wherever he went. He also loved collecting treasures, searching for a great find, and spending time tinkering in his shop — hobbies that brought him endless joy throughout his life. Angelo will also be remembered as a gentle, humble, and deeply devoted man whose quiet strength anchored his family and whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His life reflected the very essence of philotimo — honor, selflessness, and love for others — values he carried proudly throughout his life.
Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his memory will live on through the family he adored, the traditions he passed down, the community he helped build, and the countless lives he touched with his warmth and compassion.
May his memory be eternal.
Funeral services for Evangelos Theodorogiannis will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia, on Saturday, May 23. The family will begin to receive visitors at 11:00 a.m. A Trisagion prayer service will take place at 12:45, with the funeral service immediately after at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church or the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in honor of Angelo.