Christopher A. Schinas, 56, of New Bedford died Tuesday April 26, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a courageous two year battle with liver cancer. He was the beloved husband of Catherine M. (O'Neill) Schinas.
Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, the son of the late Akelas C. and Cleopatra (Chipas) Schinas, he lived in New Bedford most of his life.
He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
With his family, he was a former co-owner of the Golden Greek Restaurant in New Bedford and the Phoenix Restaurant in Fairhaven. He later worked as a cook at Mary's Place in New Bedford, as well as various other restaurants in the area, until his illness. In his earlier years, he had briefly worked for the City Planner's Office in New Bedford.
Mr. Schinas was a graduate of New Bedford High School and attended Southeastern Massachusetts University, majoring in psychology. In his youth, he enjoyed sculpting and playing the saxophone, and had briefly played in a local band. He enjoyed playing sports and was a member of one of the first Verdean Vets Little League teams. He loved following all of his Boston sports teams. He was always interested in New Bedford politics and was well-known in the community, caring deeply for the city that he was raised in.
Survivors include his wife; a son Alexander Schinas and his wife Katie of Huntington, Long Island, New York; two brothers, Theodore A. Schinas of New Bedford and Peter A. Schinas of Brockton; a sister, Georgia A. Wishnefsky of Davenport, Florida; and five nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Tuesday May 3, 2005 at 10 AM. Funeral Service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Monday May 2, 2005 from 5-9 PM. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery.