Dimitrios “Jimmy” Kouloganes, age 78, died peacefully at home in Great Barrington, Mass., surrounded by family, Friday May 1, 2015.
Dimitri was born on September 4, 1936, in Pellana, Greece, son of Panyiota and Panayioti. After graduating from the Gymnasium of Sparti, he immigrated to Stamford, Conn., and joined his father working to bring the family to America. Dimitri was a founding member of the Pellana Society of Stamford, Conn., and an active member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. He was also a longtime supporter of the Greek Orthodox Church in both Stamford and Danbury, Conn.
He worked as the Production Control Manager for the Kanthal Corporation and Plant Manager for Kanthal in Cinnaminson, N.J. In 1973, he opened his first of many restaurants, beginning with the “Country Pizza Inn” in Danbury, Conn. “Dimitri’s Pizza” was opened in 1985 in New Milford, Conn., and became a popular local family destination.
He is survived by Inge, his loving wife of 50 years, his children Peter, Thomas, Stephanie, and David; granddaughter Anastasia and daughter in law Cheryl; two sisters: Katina, Helen, and a brother, Angelo. He is predeceased by his brothers, Nikolas, George, and sisters, Dina, Maria, and little Maria. He will be missed by extended family and friends in the United States, Germany and Greece.
He lived his life with immense love for his family and adopted country; may his memory be forever eternal.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday May 7, at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington, Mass. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230 or online at www.hcib.org. To sign the guest book or send remembrances to his family go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
