James "Jim" Pialtos passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and three daughters, following a courageous battle with leukemia.
A true gentleman, Jim lived his life selflessly and to the fullest -- he was always learning, laughing, and loving. He brought out the best in everyone and always put others first. Jim’s family, friends, and patients meant the world to him. Working alongside his wife to run his optometry practice, he helped people see the world more clearly, both literally and figuratively. Jim’s endless optimism, strong family values, perseverance, and commitment to his Greek culture will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Regina (Kessel) Pialtos, and his devoted children, Alia Pialtos, Ariana Tornatore and her husband Robert, and Arista Katsourakis and her husband Panormitis; his beloved grandchildren, Theo and Eva Tornatore, will remember him as a loving Papou. Jim is also survived by his sister, Alexandra Patronas and her husband Charles, and three nieces, who endearingly call him “Unc.” He was predeceased by his mother and father, Irene and Nestor Pialtos and brother, Arthur. He leaves his great nieces & nephews, godchildren, cousins, and countless lifelong friends with nothing but the very best memories and life lessons.
Born in Worcester to Greek immigrants, Jim’s family owned and operated The Honey Dew Restaurant on Main Street for 32 years. Growing up, he developed a strong work ethic from an early age. When he wasn’t bussing tables or peeling potatoes, Jim enjoyed playing little league, then varsity baseball & basketball, and working as a lifeguard at Salisbury Beach. Throughout his childhood, he frequently made the local sports section of the newspaper, filling scrapbooks with his impressive stats at bat and on the pitcher’s mound. Jim became a local sensation, known throughout Worcester as an all-star athlete.
He was equally as talented on the athletic field as he was in the classroom. After graduating from North High School, Jim became a proud Husky and studied Zoology at the University of Connecticut, before earning his Doctor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston in 1967. Jim chose to fulfill his military obligations by enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was Captain of the 23rd Medical Battalion and Chief of the Optometry Clinic in Chu Lai. Surviving the war led him to value the most important things in life -- good health, happiness, and family.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Jim achieved his dream of establishing his private practice in Millbury and Whitinsville, where he enjoyed serving the community for 47 years. When he wasn’t at the office, you could find him swimming at the YMCA, tending to his garden, fishing on the Cape, enjoying New England sports, or tuning into a late-night boxing match.
However, Jim’s most cherished and proudest moments of his life involved his family. With Regina, he enjoyed watching his daughters and grandchildren grow, learn, and develop into their own selves. Jim lived for every graduation, family vacation, holiday, wedding, or any other reason to spend time with the people he loved most. He once said to his daughters, “I’m a busy dad, but wouldn’t change any minute of it. You each did something that I will always remember. One day you’ll know what it’s like. The moments with my kids will stay with me forever.”
All are welcome to attend calling hours on Monday, May 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. His funeral service will begin at 12:30 PM in the cathedral. Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person: http://spyridoncathedral.org/live-stream/watch
In lieu of flowers, please remember Jim with a contribution to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Building Fund, 102 Russell Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dr. James Pialtos to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift. We are forever indebted to the amazing care and teams at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Milford Regional Medical Center, and Brigham and Women's Hospital who cared for Jim since his diagnosis. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Francis O’Connor, O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester.