Angelos Xarras

A funeral Mass will be held from the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Thursday, January 19 at 11:00 in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1319 Main St., Fitchburg. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fitchburg. Calling hours are from 4-7 Wednesday, January 18 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations make to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church,1319 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420



FITCHBURG- Angelos “ Van” Xarras, of 51 Arlington Street, a retired businessman and real estate investor passed away on January 13 at the UMass Memorial Hospital. He was 90 years old. “Van” was born on July 7, 1926, 1 of 10 children born to Harry and Eftehia Geas Xarras. He was the father of 3 sons, Elias of Virgina, and twin brothers Harry from Holyoke, MA. and John and his wife Popi of New York, and his former wife Demetra Berger. He leaves his brother Leo and his wife Carmela of Leominster, and sisters Athena Liatsis, Vaselecke “Bessie” Xarras, and Alexandra Pappas, all of Fitchburg, and Margarita  Plagakis her husband Konstatine  of  Holyoke. He will be missed by his loving grandchildren Kalliopi, Androulla, Evan and Yianni. He was pre-deceased by brothers John, Forteos, James and Peter. Van’s entrepreneurial endeavors included managing the Buttercup Hill Tea Room. He was the owner of the Wachusett Tavern on Day Street in Fitchburg, where he could be found spending time with his family and friends, discussing sports and city news. He also owned and managed Gianetti’s Package Store in Bedford as well as a lifelong owner and manager of investment real estate in Fitchburg. He graduated from Fitchburg High School, class of 1944. Following high school he attended Cushing Academy and upon graduation entered the US Army. Van had a good deal of success as an athlete, playing on the pro PamCo basketball team. He took to the softball field with all of his brothers, where he and his bat received a lot of respect. He was an avid golfer and lifetime member Oak Hill Country Club and Westminster Country Club, known as the “Squire”. He was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Fitchburg. Van was blessed to have a devoted sister with whom he resided at 51 Arlington Street, for many years. Bessie was his caretaker and his “best” friend. His family is grateful for her care and compassion. Thank you Bessie. As well, the family would like to recognize and thank the staff at UMass Memorial Hospital for their outstanding care in the final weeks of a wonderful life.