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Gus Mathew Sokos passed away May 15, 2023 at the age of 94 years. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, his memory will continue to live on through his family and friends.
Gus was born in Richwood, West Virginia son of the late Mathew "Tom" Sokos and Annette Bakolas Sokos on November 23rd, 1928. A graduate of Richwood High School, Gus was a Veteran of the US Army and went on to receive a bachelor's degree at West Virginia Wesleyan College and a Master's in Education at West Virginia University. Gus' passion for education inspired a 35 year career as a science teacher, most of which was spent at Triadelphia Middle School. He went above and beyond as an educator to instill curiosity and a love for learning in each of his students. Some of his fondest memories were taking his classes on field trips to experience science in the real world. He was an inspiration to many.
Gus had a deep love for Christ, which he placed above all in his life. He was a devout member of St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church in Wheeling, serving as a past president and member of the church council, and a member of the board of trustees. His faith and his love for his church guided his life.
Gus' devotion to his community did not end with his students or his parish community, but carried into the many organizations he served as a faithful member. He was the past president and past secretary of the Miltiades Chapter #68 Order of AHEPA, a member of Masonic Order, Ohio Lodge #1, AF&AM, Wheeling, WV, Scottish Rite Orient of West Virginia, 32nd Degree Mason, and the Osiris Shrine.
The true light of Gus' world was his family. Married July 12, 1959, Gus shared his life with his beloved wife, Frances Mamakos Sokos, for 63 years. Their days were filled with laughter, love and deep friendship. They share three beautiful sons, three wonderful daughters-in-law and 7 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. His favorite days were spent gathered with his family, cooking, laughing or watching a Mountaineer game. He was a tried and true Mountaineer, and held season tickets to Mountaineer football games for over 30 years. All three of his sons graduated from West Virginia University, as well as three of his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Gus is preceded in death by his brother Dr. George and wife Patricia Sokos, brothers and sisters- in-law Pete and Athena Mamakos, George and Marina Mamakos, Nicholas and Georgia Mamakos, Paul and Virginia (Mamakos) Monolakis, and Maryanne (Mamakos) Bayes.
He is survived by his loving wife, Frances Mamakos Sokos, his sons and their wives, Dr. Mathew Gus Sokos and Jamie Arslain Sokos of Wheeling, Louis Gus Sokos and Rita Grubler Sokos of Morgantown, and Dr. George Gus Sokos and Denise Fletcher Sokos of Upper St. Clair Township, and his 7 grandchildren, Gus, Elias, James, Zachary, Olivia, Alexi, and Elizabeth Sokos, brother in-law, George Bayes, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Susie Q.
Gus led his life with a deep love for Christ, his beautiful family, and his community. His legacy lives on through them. May his memory be eternal.
Friends will be received on Thursday May 18, 2023 from 2-4 pm and again from 6-8 pm at Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Rd., Wheeling (304-232- 2732). The AHEPA service will be held at 7 PM followed by the Trisagion Service at 7:30 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Friday May 19, 2023 at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 2215 Chapline St., Wheeling, WV at 10 a.m. with the Reverend Demetrios Tsikouris officiating.
Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Wheeling with Military Services by the Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard.
Condolences can be left for the family online at www.KepnerFuneral.com