Stavros Socrates Frantzis of Jamaica Plain, 72, passed away on March 15, 2014 after a short illness.
He was the beloved husband of Doris Charry Frantzis, the beloved father of Renzo Miranda of Jamaica Plain and Socrates Frantzis of California and beloved brother of Kostas and sister Anthi.
Born and raised in Mytilini, Greece, he was principal of Frantzis and Associates, a commercial and residential real estate investment, construction and development firm. His company focused on the revitalization of inner-city commercial areas in Boston neighborhoods, taking properties that were in disrepair and turning them into successful projects sensitive to neighborhood concerns regarding design and use. He was the landlord of many Jamaica Plain small businesses, including the Gazette.
After receiving master’s degrees in chemical engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and from Northwestern University in Illinois, he earned his doctorate in industrial engineering and management sciences from Northwestern in 1974. He was on the full-time faculties of Loyola University of Chicago (1973-1975) and then Northeastern University in Boston (1975-1982). He taught at Babson College from 1982 to 1985.
Stavros was fluent in Greek, English and Spanish and frequently traveled to Colombia and Greece. He, his wife and son Renzo went around the world in 80 days last summer, circling west to more than 10 countries before arriving back in Boston. He was a philanthropist who donated to many causes and was affiliated with community organizations that dealt with planning and commerce. His hands were both strong and artistic, and he used them to design buildings and gardens. Stavros was an avid photographer and collected contemporary art. His blue eyes were said to be the color of the Aegean Sea. “Death is the last journey in life,” he said.
For information about a memorial event to be held on Tues., March 18, please contact [email protected].
Stavros Frantzis. (Courtesy Photo)