Sam Raphtis

Sotirios “Sam” K. Raphtis, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in his sleep, at home in Shelby Township, Michigan. Sam was born to parents Konstantino and Efrosini on January 10, 1935, in a village named Trikorfon, Doridos, right outside of Nafpaktos, Greece. He was the youngest of 13 children. Sam was preceded in death by siblings: Haralambos, Vasiliki, George, Foti, Niko, Angeliki, Christina, Lambrini, Effie, John, and Paul. He is survived by his beloved sister Toula and countless nieces and nephews. Along with Voula, his wife of 64 years, Sam is also survived by his children: Konstantinos “Chuck” (Aspa), Efthemios “Mike” (Betty), Xristos “Chris” (Christine). Sam is also survived by his grandchildren: Sotirios “Sotiri,” Viviana (Angelo), Sotirios “Soto,” Vanessa, Natasia, Sotirios “Sam,” Andrew, and Jamie. Finally, Sam is survived by his great grandchild, Katerina. Sam’s professional career can be summarized in two words: servant leader. From the moment Sam immigrated to Sioux City, Iowa in 1952 all the way from Trikorfon, Sam tirelessly worked many jobs to support his family back in Greece and eventually joined the United States Army serving in Fort Riley, Kansas. Always hustling, Sam picked up a new skill as a chef in the Army mess hall, not knowing that skill would propel him to the next chapter of his life. Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Sam bought his first restaurant, the Waffle Shop, and began his career as a restauranteur. A few years later, during a return trip to Greece, Sam met and married the love of his life, Paraskevi “Voula” on May 21, 1961. While raising his family with his beloved wife, Sam continued to support his family back in Greece, remained extremely active in the community, and successfully owned and ran the Palmer House Restaurant in Sioux City, Iowa for 27 years. During that time, Sam was a proud Freemason and remained a lifelong member of Tyrian Lodge #508 of Sioux City, Iowa. Sam achieved the honorary 33rd Degree in 1991. Sam’s community involvement was strengthened through his faith as a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church. Sam was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa, often volunteering his time fundraising for the church when repairs were needed and chanting during services. His love of the church continued when he moved to the Detroit metropolitan area to be with his children and grandchildren in 2005. Sam was a wonderful family man. He lived his life for his children, and his greatest joy was spending time with his wife, three sons, and their families. In his retirement, Sam and Voula took annual trips back home to Nafpaktos, Greece. He enjoyed the morning coffee club at St. John Greek Orthodox Church, the occasional round of golf, playing the clarinet, and of course, rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. John Greek Orthodox Church, Sterling Heights, Michigan. The visitation will be held at 9:00am and the funeral service at 10:00am on October 11, 2025, at St. John Greek Orthodox Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. There will be a makaria luncheon immediately after in the church hall, followed by a burial service at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

Sam Raphtis

January 20, 1935 - October 8, 2025