Phillip Passas

Phillip Passas, 70

Youngstown…Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, with Rev. Thomas Constantine officiating, for Phillip Passas, 70, who passed away early Saturday morning.

Phillip, son of George and Irene Kambouris Passas, was born in Kalymnos, Greece, on July 13, 1947.  He immigrated to the U.S. in 1954, along with his mother and brothers, to join his father in Campbell.

In 1965, Phillip graduated with honors from Campbell Memorial High School.  In 1969, he achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Youngstown State University.  Post-graduation, Phillip chose Westminster College to earn a Master of Science degree in Education.

His career began at Austintown Fitch High School, where he taught History and U.S. Government.  In addition, Phillip was a drivers’ education instructor for 25 years.  Retiring after 30 years of service, Phillip shifted his teachings to the Northeast Ohio Correctional Facility, cultivating the G.E.D. program for a decade.

Throughout his adult life, he believed that community service was vital.  Most of Phillip’s efforts were directed to the following:  President of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church Council in Boardman (1985-1986, 2003-2006, and 2014), the YSU Alumni Association, Ohio Council of Social Studies, NEA-OEA and CTA, Austintown Historical Society, Orthodox Men’s Society, American Hellenic Association (AHEPA-Lincoln Chapter 89), Omicron Delta Phi Honorary Education Association, Kalymnian Society (Campbell), Mahoning County Civil War Round Table, Ohio State Retired Teachers Association, election day programs, political organizations, and blood drives.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Sylvia (Lyras) Passas; his son, George Passas (wife Jessica and daughter Josephina); daughter, Renee (Passas) Knepper (husband Derek and daughters, Sevasti and Savina); brother Michael Passas (wife Popi), brother Gus Passas (wife Arlene), sister, Sofia (Passas) Marian (husband Daniel); brother-in-law Dr. Louis Lyras (wife Kathy); and all of his nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father and mother-in-law, Sozon and Irene Lyras.

The Passas family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home, and will receive family and friends Tuesday from 5-8:00 p.m., at the funeral home, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. and again, Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:00 a.m. at the church, prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phillip’s name to St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church Restoration Fund or Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church.  

 Service Information