Socrates Alexander Dendrinelis passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 14,2022 at the age of 96 years old.
Beloved husband of the late Mary J. Dendrinelis (nee Frangoulis), loving father of Mimi (John) Davis and the late Paula (surviving Tim) Townsend, adoring Papou of Samantha (Brandon) Helsel, Bethany Townsend, Alex and Nicole Davis, cherished Great-Papou of Evan Marie, a dear Uncle, great Uncle and friend to many.
Soc was an amazing person who touched many lives with his loving and outgoing personality.
He was an athlete all his life and considered Forest Park his backyard growing up. He was an excellent student and a proud WWII Navy Veteran who loved his country. He was a hard worker for TV Guide Magazine and often was chosen to be the motivational speaker for their workshops. He was a true legend in the Greek community and was always the first person to welcome a new member to church. He had a strong faith and shared this with his family and friends. He loved sports and being involved with the youth by coaching the AHEPA softball team to several national championships. He would always greet others with a big hug and would have a good story to share. He was always there to guide and provide for his family in many ways.
He will be dearly missed but never forgotten since everyone has a special memory of him to keep close in their hearts.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, Thursday July 21 from 4-8 pm with Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Friday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. Interment at St. Matthews Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
May the memory of Uncle Soc be eternal. He always had time to talk to me in his office in the basement of his house and spoil me with comic books. As I got older I could always count on a punch in the arm and his charismatic voice asking me if I was pumping iron.
I have nothing but fond memories. I remember singing in his car on the way to the Shriners Circus among other cool times that I was able to share with him.
An amazing life and an inspiration to all.
I miss my buddy already. He was one of a kind, and will always be a part of my life. There was a reason he was made the official new/visiting parishioner greeter at church, because he was so enthusiastic about his church, his Greek community, and lived life to the fullest. Thank you for your service to our country, our parish, and our community. Even into his 90’s, he often had a more active social life than I did ! We should all be so fortunate, and so loved. Say hello to Paula for us. Until we meet again my friend. S’agapo.
Adonis H. Chakides
Even in the short time I knew Soc I have fond memories and think of him often. He was so proud of growing up in St.Louis. playing soccer. His daughters. Forest Park. WWII Navy vet. Not necessarily in this order.
Thank you Soc for the great stories that now I share with others. Everyone should have a Soc in their life.