Obituary of Andrew A Verras

Andrew A. Verras, 95, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away after a long illness on Sunday morning, November 17th. He was the beloved husband of Hope (Xenakis) Verras. Born and raised in Woburn, he was the son of the late Alexios and Constandina (Koufopoulos) Verras. After graduating from Woburn High School, Andy enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served during World War II aboard the destroyer escort USS Smartt. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1946, Andy went to work as a machinist for General Electric in Lynn. As a young veteran, he was an active member of the VFW. In the late 1950’s, Andy became reacquainted with Hope Xenakis, a fellow-Greek that he had known for many years. They married in 1960 raising four children. A lifelong member of the Woburn Greek Orthodox Church, he was actively involved in the Order of Ahepa. He was a member of this philanthropic group for over sixty years, having served as President for many of them. Andy retired from G.E. in 1986, after 40 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, Andy enjoyed traveling, watching sports and entertaining his friends with his quick wit and hilarious stories. Known for his mastery of Greek dancing, Andy was always the first one up to lead a dance with a white handkerchief in hand. Later in life he was blessed with ten grandchildren - all of whom gave him a great sense of pride. He was the loving father of Alexander Verras and his friend and former wife Lisa Panagopoulos; Constance Geraniotis and her husband Dr. Evangelos “Van” Geraniotis of Orleans, Katrina Hanewich and her husband John Hanewich of Cotuit; and the late Malcolm Verras. He was the loving papou to ten grandchildren, Andrew, Kristina, Paul, and Steven Verras; Paris, Alexa, and Coralea Geraniotis; and Lydia, Isabelle, and Abby Hanewich. He was the dedicated brother of the late Angeline LeFever, Sophie Davidson, and Peter Verras. An hour of visitation will be held at the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave., Woburn on Saturday, November 23 from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial with Military Honors will take place at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn. Family and friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452. Arrangements by the Graham Funeral Home, Woburn.