WESTFIELD – Paul L. Kertiles, 95, a longtime resident of Leonard Avenue in Westfield, passed into Eternal Life on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke surrounded by his loving family, his wonderful caregivers and his fellow comrades-at-arms. He was born in Springfield on March 15, 1922, a beloved son of the late Louis P. and Elpis (Boyoukas) Kertiles. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from the former Springfield Technical High School. He furthered his education at American International College in Springfield and later attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut for Military Officer's Training. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II aboard an amphibious transport ship, the USS Whetstone. He served as an Engineering Officer, a Gunnery Officer and finally an Executive Officer, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon. He was the owner and operator of the former Phoenix Restaurant in Westfield for over 40 years and retired in 1982. Following his retirement, he traveled extensively with his wife, Chrisanthe. He was a lifetime member of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield and served as a member of the Parish Council. He was also a 30-year member of the Westfield YMCA where he swam almost every day. An avid reader, he authored a biography about his father. He was an artist whose paintings were displayed at several art shows. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he enjoyed fishing and woodworking. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Chrisanthe G. (Tatamanis) Kertiles who passed away on February 28, 2007. They were married on December 16, 1945 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield and were blessed with over 61 years of happiness together. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his sister, Evangeline Paulson. He leaves his four devoted children, Hope Mongeau and her husband, John, of Lakeville, CT, Anne Polaski and her husband, Tom, of Groton, MA, Kathy Korchari and her husband, George, of Ellington, CT and Louis Kertiles of Westfield; his eight grandchildren, John Mongeau and his wife, Heather, David Mongeau and his fiancée, Alison Bologna, William Polaski and his wife, Amy, Sara Allen and her husband, Todd, Paul Korchari, Peter Korchari and his wife, Leah, Jessie Veves and her husband, Steve, and Jamie Falconi and his wife, Alison; his 14 great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Anastasia Bandy of Philadelphia, PA and Mary Katsiaficas of Essex, CT; his sister-in-law, Artemis Romell and her husband, Michael, of Southbury, CT; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended members of the Kertiles and Tatamanis families. His funeral will be held on Monday morning, June 19, 2017 beginning at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 8:30 a.m.), followed by a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. in Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. His Burial with United States Navy Military Honors will follow the Funeral Service at Oak Grove Cemetery, 426 Bay Street, Springfield, MA 01109. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 18, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For those who prefer, his family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
