Constantine Gus Stevens, 94, passed away peacefully, at the Reading Hospital on Valentine's Day; Sunday, February 14, 2021. In the loving arms of his wife of forty-three years, Shirley M. (Kranis) Stevens, and with his stepson, Albert.
Born in Reading, on August 14, 1926, he was the son of the late George and Foto (Antenna) Stevens of Mytelene, Greece and Reading, PA.
Gus was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
He was a 1944 graduate of Reading High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. After retiring from the Navy Gus attended Penn State University, Kutztown University and Albright College.
Gus was employed by Graybar Electric Co. and Power Electric Co. He later served as Executive Director of the Reading Model Cities for several years. During this time he was also chairman of the Reading Housing Authority and was influential in the redevelopment of downtown Reading. He later worked for Gus Yatron in his Pottsville office. After relocating to Forth Worth, TX in 1980, he was employed by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a redevelopment specialist. During this time Gus was also union president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Gus then retired in 1998 and returned to Reading, PA.
He was a 50 year member of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of PA.
Gus was known throughout his life for his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. He enjoyed fine art, reading, politics, good wine, cooking, and all things Greek. (Zorba The Greek) Gus was loved by many. His kitchen and home were filled with family and friends, love, good food, and laughter, which mimicked his proud Greek heritage. The highlight of his life was his wife Shirley and their beautiful grandchildren, Dylan and Jacqueline, and the life they shared together.
Gus is survived by his wife, Shirley (Kranis) Stevens of Wyomissing, his step-sons, Albert R. DaDamio III of Wyomissing and Thomas M. DaDamio of Exeter; grandchildren Dylan T. DaDamio and Jacqueline R. DaDamio of Exeter. Other survivors include his sister, Cleo (Stevens) Kamelhar of Oklahoma; cousin Jeff Louis of Connecticut; nieces Cleo and Nikki Vastardis, and Margot Apostle; nephew Charlie Deininger (Amy) from Juneau, AK and godchildren: Dawn Stevens, Evan Limberiou, and Alicia Donohue. Numerous other special people including cousins and very dear friends also survive him. Gus was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Mary (Stevens) Chaffin and Kula Stevens.
Services will be held Monday, February 22, 2021, at 11:30 AM at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 1001 East Wyomissing Blvd., Reading, PA 19611 with burial to follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the church. Contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading is honored to assist Gus' family. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.