SPRINGFIELD - Philip C. Loukellis, age 95, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, August 23, 2020 from dementia at Renaissance Manor of Cabot in Holyoke, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Lesvos, Greece, the son of Constantine and Irene (Koutlides) Loukellis. Philip suffered the loss of his beloved mother and the child she was carrying when he was 18 months of age. This left an indelible pain in his heart which he carried throughout his life. The losses, coupled with hardship, austere times and later the German occupation were the crucible that forged a survivor and young man determined to be independent and successful. As a boy, he hunted to survive, grew his own fruits and vegetables and made shoes from animal skins. He also made combs, buttons, and tools from antlers which he sold. His entrepreneurship allowed him to buy livestock which further secured his survival. Philip had already attained U.S. citizenship through his father Constantine who had served in the U.S. Army in World War I when he boarded the first ship to the United States from Piraeus after World War II. With only $10 in his pocket, he made the journey with the conviction that he would start a new life filled with the promise of success. He proudly served his country as a chef in the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Philip married his sweetheart, Evangelia, whom he had known as a teenager. He returned with his wife to the Springfield area, attended Springfield Technical High School and attained his high school diploma. He was employed at Bigelow Carpet Mills, Springfield Tinsel and Wire Company and later retired after 25 years of service to Hamilton Standard. During retirement, he enjoyed spending many hours in his prized vegetable garden, sharing the bounty of his labor. He looked forward to Saturday morning coffee with The Philosophy Club and working out as a lifetime member of the YMCA. During the summer, Philip and his wife traveled to Greece. Philip's interests included nature, world history, current events and geography. He was a blood donor for many years and also believed in charitable giving to the poor and the sick. He was an active member of Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the Over 60 Club and was an adopted member of the Cretan Club, all in Springfield. He was also a Mason. Philip enjoyed fishing, swimming and loved animals. He believed in simplicity, recycling and was a creative and economic problem solver. Philip enjoyed and appreciated spending time with his friends. He believed in God and country. He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Evangelia; his daughter, Dr. Irene Loukellis and husband James Cooper; his son, Costas Loukellis and wife Athena; his four grandsons, Philip Cooper and Nicholas, Stephen and Alexander Loukellis were the apple of his eye and he loved to shower them with his affection and make them laugh. Papou Philip will live in our hearts through his stories, values and Greek traditions. He will be sorely missed. Philip will Repose in State on Friday, August 28, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. which will be followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2320 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01107. His Burial with United States Army Military Honors will follow the Funeral Service at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001, (please note that masks are required, social distancing must be observed and capacity at the Cathedral and cemetery chapel are limited due to state regulations). His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, Suite 700, New York, NY 10001 or Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 Saint George Road, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family online condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com