Antonia Dalapas

Formerly of Saco

Antonia Dalapas passed away March 2nd, after a brief illness, very shortly after her 96th birthday.

Antonia was born to Greek immigrants, Peter and Pota Dalapas, in 1929, in Lawrence, Massachusetts. After residing in Lawrence for several years, the growing Dalapas family moved to Saco, Maine, where Antonia grew up.

From very early in her life, she had a genuine passion and talent for singing, learning from her father, who served as the chanter at Greek Orthodox churches in New England for over 40 years. After high school, Antonia pursued music academically, and attended the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, graduating with Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees. After she graduated, she worked for public schools, teaching music to students in Washington State and in New England for several years. Antonia then accepted a position to join the faculty in East Carolina University's Music Department in 1971, teaching voice and opera. After training collegiate singers for more than 20 years, she retired in 1992.

She loved Greenville from her first days at ECU, and never wanted to leave. In retirement, she remained actively engaged with other faculty from ECU, and with her church.

Antonia is survived by her sister, Christine Dalapas, in East Greenbush, New York; her sister, Paula Andrews, in Longview, Texas; and her sister, Demetra Tims, in Tucson, Arizona. Nephews and nieces who survive Antonia's passing include Stanley Tims, Peter Tims, Diana Early, Ted Andrews, and Peter Andrews. Great-nephews and nieces include Cassandra Stelter, and Anthony and Sophia Andrews. Great-great nephew and niece Mason and Caden Stelter also survive.

Service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 11AM, in Holy Cross Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 5799 NC-33, Grimesland, NC 27837.

A Graveside Service will be held at 9AM Thursday, March 20, 2025, at St. Demetrios Cemetery in Biddeford, ME

Local arrangements by Cote Funeral Home, Saco, ME

Donations can be provided in the name of Antonia Dalapas to either the Holy Cross Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church or to the East Carolina University School of Music.