Yolanda Licopantis
1/24/2024
Yolanda “Dukie” Licopantis, a beloved and longtime resident of Stamford, CT, passed away on January 24, 2024, at the age of 88 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Yolanda had a passion for cooking and baking and marveled at the intricate patterns formed by birds flying in a graceful V. She loved playing scrabble with family and friends, watching General Hospital, and doing her morning crossword puzzle. Yolanda also never missed an opportunity to pause and share a friendly wave with a newborn beginning life’s journey. She had an affinity for making friends wherever she went, and she always said that if she asked a stranger three questions she would find something in common with them. Her talent for pausing to appreciate the world around her will forever linger in the memories of those who knew her. She leaves her family and friends with a profound warmth and a deep appreciation for life, having lived hers this way. Born in Steubenville, Ohio, she was the cherished daughter of Mercurios and Eva Diamantis. Yolanda attended Steubenville High School and graduated in 1953. Upon graduation, she began her journey within the working world as a secretary at the Herald Star in Steubenville, Ohio.
Yolanda moved to Astoria in 1953, where she developed a relationship with her future husband, Peter Licopantis, and together, they loved seeing broadway shows, operas, and eating in fine restaurants. They were married on May 5, 1957. While living in Astoria, she worked at Collier Magazine and then Marubeni Import Export Company where she served as the Secretary to the Vice President. Her time with Marubeni was one that she would always remember fondly and recount with loved ones. In 1973, Yolanda moved with her husband, Peter, to New City, NY to raise their children, Dean and Eve. Yolanda’s commitment and hard work shone brightly during her twenty-year tenure with Dr. Arthur Appel of Pearl River, New York. Starting as a receptionist, she progressed to lab technician before assuming the role of Dr. Appel’s medical assistant. Her knowledge of the medical field as well as a passion for aiding and interacting with patients defined her time in this role. Upon relocating to Stamford, Connecticut in 1998, Yolanda continued her dedication to caring for the elderly by accepting a position as a concierge at Sunrise Assisted Living in Stamford, Connecticut. She was dedicated to bringing the residents joy, as she organized and provided a monthly lunch for them. She was dedicated to ensuring residents’ happiness by organizing regular events and treasured her time working with them and their families. She retired at the age of 83.
Throughout her life, Yolanda was an active member and choir participant of the Greek Orthodox church communities in Steubenville and Astoria. Yolanda was a longtime parishioner at Sts. Constantine and Helen Church in West Nyack, NY, where she spent much of her time preparing for and working at the annual Greek Festival. She continued her faith at the Church of the Archangels in Stamford, Connecticut, taking on the role of organizing various church functions, including the monthly senior luncheons. Her friends from this community have described her as always brightening the room with her presence, her smile, and her attention to detail in designing the luncheon centerpieces.
Yolanda is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Peter G. Licopantis; her children Dean, Eve (Dino) Zacharakos, and her five grandchildren, Kalli and Peter Licopantis, and Athena, Stephanie, and Alexis Zacharakos. Yolanda is preceded in death by her loving parents, Eva and Mercurios Diamantis.
Yolanda inspired those around her, assuring that God granted us a book to pen our unique stories. She had a profound appreciation for the inherent opportunity and beauty present in the world. The radiant optimism she shared will endure among those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.
In honoring Yolanda’s memory, let us remember the warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication she brought to the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Sunday, January 28 from 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford, CT 06905. The Funeral Service to be celebrated on Monday, January 29 at 10:30 a.m. will take place at The Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06905, with interment to immediately follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 66 Woodland Place, Stamford, CT 06902.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Church of the Archangels, 1527 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06907 or Regional Hospice of Danbury, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810.