Harry S. Vassilakos Print E-mail

Harry S. Vassilakos    

Loving husband, father, brother and friend;

Harry S. Vassilakos, 63, of Lexington, but for many years a resident of Lowell, passed away peacefully Saturday April 13, 2019 at Golden Pond Assisted Living Facility in Hopkinton, Massachusetts with his family by his side after a long battle with Chronic Lyme Disease .

He was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (Dunleavy) Vassilakos with whom he recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, November 2, 1955, a son of the late Gregory H. and the late Effie (Koukias) Vassilakos, Harry attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School Class of 1973.

He continued his studies at U/Mass Lowell where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance and went on to Babson College where he attained his Masters in Business Administration in 1979.

Harry stayed active in helping others through his mentoring of graduate students at U/Mass Lowell business school as a member of their Advisory Board. He was also a former member of the Parent Board at Lawrence Academy. 

An accomplished golfer, Harry was a member of both the Lowell High and U/Mass Lowell golf teams. Harry followed his passion for golf throughout his life as a former committee member for the U/Mass Lowell golf tournament and enjoyed playing and winning several charity golf tournaments over the years including his beloved Pawtucketville Open.    

Prior to his retirement, he was the Director of Sales and Development at Atlantic Gelatin/Kraft Foods where he worked for over 35 years.

Through his position with Philip Morris and later Kraft Foods, Harry helped in funding for the Arts in New England including the Wang Theatre, Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, the House of Hope, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, UTEC and helped spearhead the National Youth Sports Program at U/Mass Lowell.  

Among his many interests, Harry had a real passion for music and attended several concerts over the years with his wife, family and friends.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter Alexandra G. Vassilakos of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters Mary Ann Olivera and her husband Anthony of Twenty Nine Palms , CA and Valerie Arsenault of Andover; a brother Stephen G. Vassilakos of Paris, France; two sister-in-laws Eileen Sharples Dunleavy of New Bedford, MA and Joan Gatzimas of Westford; a brother-in-law James Dunleavy of Capitan, NM; several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At the request of the family all funeral services were private. E-condolences at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. Arrangements by the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME – Lowell (978) 458-8768.  

 

Condolences (8)
  • Rich & MJ Mastrovich
    We were so saddened to read of Harry's passing. He was so supportive to the UMass Lowell Golf Tournament and we could count on him every year to gather his group of alumni to play. He always greeted us with a smile at registration. We always looked forward to seeing you. Rest in peace Harry. Rich (LTI '73) & MJ Mastrovich Former UMass Lowell Golf Tournament Directors
  • Kathleen and Bill Pigott
    Harry and I worked side-by-side for over 30 years. He was unfailingly kind, thoughtful, generous and supportive. His work was responsible for keeping the business afloat for many years, providing employment for many. His work in philanthropy was especially helpful to our communities and remains a fitting legacy. Harry was a dear friend who will always have a special place in my heart. Bill joins me in sending our deepest condolences to the family.
  • Philip Boudreau
    My sincere condolences to you and your family I worked with Harry at the Atlantic Gelatin he was a wonderful guy
  • Gary Vaillancourt
    So sad to hear of Harry's passing. I went to school with Harry from K-12 with many fond memories growing up, from 1 on 1 football in his yard, to winning a championship in our last year of organized ball, to tennis @ Lowell General. Although our meetings were infrequent later in life, I'll always cherish the memories of a wonderful person. May God rest his soul
  • Bill Bailey
    Great person, co-worker and friend .. last time we met was at Mount Pleasant for a Golf Tournament .. Some comfort knowing his passion for Golf and our last time was spent doing something Harry enjoyed .. prayers and condolences to your family and relatives
  • Jack Campbell
    To the family, sorry for your loss. I knew Harry as he played baseball for me in the Pawtucketville Junior League and was a close friend of my brother David. We also played golf a number of times at different events. He was a great guy and always had that smile whenever you had a chance to talk with him. Will be missed. Jack
  • Kim Little  - Harry will be missed
    Harry was such a kind person. He had a smile whenever I saw him in the neighborhood. I remember how he spent much of his time maintaining his beautiful lawn. He was always keeping busy, and always asked how the boys were doing. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
  • NYSP STAFF  - So generous!
    Harry was such a big supporter of the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) at UMass Lowell. He never said no to any of our requests. So generous and supportive in the beginning years, when we needed all the help we could get. A big reason for our success. Thanks, RIP.
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