Paul C. Kiritsy, 91, of Shrewsbury

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Obit Paul KiritsyShrewsbury – Paul C. Kiritsy passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 3, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.

Paul, who celebrated his 91st birthday March 11, was known by many nicknames: Pappou Shark, Chief, Pokie, PK, but he was called “Tiger” by those who worked with him at Mosaic Fabrications-later Galileo Electro-optics, the company he co-founded. He is cherished by all who knew him for his passion, authentic charm and unbreakable optimism. His personality exemplified the adage “the glass is half full.”

Born in Worcester, son of Charles and Anna (Souliotis) Kiritsy and a graduate of the former Classical High School, Paul enlisted in the Navy at the start of World War II. Serving in the South Pacific as a pharmacist mate, he was stationed in the field hospital on the Island of Okinawa. He also played the trumpet and was appointed to play reveille every morning, which he said offered the fringe benefit of getting to the chow line first for breakfast

In 1945, he began his studies at American International College in Springfield under the GI bill. Then, in 1947 while traveling in Greece, he met Mary Economou at a family gathering. Atop majestic Mount Lykavittos, overlooking Athens, with the glowing sunset resting on the ancient city, they fell in love. They were married June 10, 1951.

Upon receiving his degree in psychology, Paul worked for American Optical in Southbridge. While at AO, he discovered his second love, the new technology known as fiber optics. Tiger’s insatiable drive and entrepreneurial spirit motivated the department head/inventor, Will Hicks, to leave AO, and in 1956 they founded Mosaics Fabrications out of a garage. As the leading independent fiber optics company, they developed multiple fiber optic components and became the world’s largest producer of “night vision” goggles.

While building the highly successful Mosaics with his team, Paul co-authored industry articles and contributed to several patents, characterizing the making of fiber as “an art, not science,” he would say, that “…when the glass cladded rod, was slowly lowered into a glowing furnace and a hair thin fiber strand would be pulled, often slightly burning the finger tips, … the touch is the key!” Mosaics was purchased by Bendix Corp, division of Honeywell, in 1967.

Paul was also a “radio” pioneer who hosted a Sunday morning “Greek News and Music Hour” on WESO. Although some would say his artful “American Greek” translation was both humorous and entertaining, his soft sultry voice was perfect for radio and won him a wide audience from surrounding communities.

In addition to Mosaics, Paul owned/operated several other businesses, including The Old Grist Mill Complex in Seekonk and FAB-Coil Company, and was an early real-estate developer in Sturbridge. A serial entrepreneur, he returned to his passion for fiber optics to rejoin his partner, Will Hicks, at 1984, Inc., where they developed several new fiber optic technologies, including Wave Division Multiplexing. In 1986, the company was purchased by Polaroid Corporation.

Paul was also a longtime steward of Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and an honorary member of the World War II Veterans. Among his hobbies, he had an incredible green thumb and so enjoyed the miracle of taking a seed from any fruit and planting it and watching life grow. Avocados were his favorite challenge!

With all his talents, Paul’s greatest gifts were his ability to inspire others through his charm, warm heart, and his optimistic nature. His greatest joy was his family – the love of his life and best friend, Mary, his five children, and his 12 grandchildren. He felt blessed to have them gathered, sitting on the green wicker chair, in the cedar porch, listening to Adagio by Secret Garden, while the sun set through the Cape Cod pines.

PK, although your tiger’s roar only now echoes in the hills of our memories, your powerful spirit flows full in our hearts. We will hear your voice in the music you loved and see your eyes smiling in the sunsets on Ryders Cove. We love you so very much.

In addition to his wife of nearly 65 years, Mary, he leaves three sons and one daughter, Charles P. Kiritsy and his wife Christine of Paxton, Anna Kiritsy Tsitsilianos and her husband Emmanuel of Worcester, William P. Kiritsy and his wife Sylvia of Boylston, and Christopher P. Kiritsy and his wife Molly of Newton; and 12 grandchildren, Paul, Zachary and Michael Kiritsy, Andrew and Nicholas Tsitsilianos, Helena, Zoe and Joshua Kiritsy, and Alexander, Hannah, Benjamin and Elias Kiritsy. He was predeceased by his daughter, Helen Kiritsy.

On behalf of Paul, we would like to thank the caring and compassionate nursing staffs and aides at the Jewish Healthcare Center, Holy Trinity Healthcare Center, South 2 at St. Vincent Hospital and at South 6 at UMass/Memorial Hospital.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Paul’s life by gathering for calling hours Friday, May 6, from 4-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors – The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury. A Trisagion Service will be held at 4:15 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral will be Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m., at Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell St., Worcester. Rev. Dr. Dimitrios Moraitis will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow at Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Family Center, 102 Russell St., Worcester, MA 01602.

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