Obituary of Harry C. Papastratis

Harry C. Papastratis, 72, of Binghamton, passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 10, 2003. His brother, George, predeceased him in 1988. Harry is survived by his loving wife, Alexandra, with whom he raised three daughters, Sophia Papastratis, Binghamton, Dina and Mary Papastratis, Astoria, NYC; a brother and sister-in-law, Demetrios and Cheryl Papastratis, Binghamton; a sister and brother-in-law, Maria and Stavros Petrakos, Binghamton. Many other relatives in Binghamton, as well as family members in Sparta, Greece, also survive him. His mother-in-law, Sophia Giannikopoulou of Greece, also survives him. He was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Binghamton. Harry came to America in 1951 from Greece. He started working in his uncle's restaurant as a dishwasher. He later bought that same restaurant and named it Harry's Lunch. Harry quickly became known for his Texas Hots. Everyone from the average Joe to the Mayor of Binghamton (Burns and Libous) enjoyed daily servings of Harry's Texas Hots. Harry moved his restaurant to different locations throughout the years, but the food remained the same and fans of his Texas Hots followed him wherever he went. Those who knew him through the years knew he was an honest and hardworking man who loved his family, his cooking, and working in his vegetable garden. Harry was very proud of his three daughters, whom he worked hard to put through college. All three are grown now and have established careers. The first-born, Sophia, is a Tax Auditor for the Internal Revenue Service in Binghamton. The second, Dina, is an Assistant Vice President of Human Resources for AXA Financial Inc. in NYC. And the third, Mary, is an Accountant for Premier Healthcare in NYC. Harry will be missed by many, but mostly by his loving wife and daughters. Funeral services will be held at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 214 Court St., Binghamton, Thursday at 10 a.m. Rev. George E. Prassas, his Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main St., Binghamton, Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. Trisagion service will be Wednesday at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests expressions of sympathy in memory of Harry be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 214 Court St., Binghamton, N.Y. 13901.