Penelope Theoktisto

Simon Theoktisto of Cameron County, TX was born circa 1914. Simon was baptized at Panama Canal Zone by Nikitas Mavrakis. Theoktisto Theoktistou Petralidis, the original name., in Panamá Canal Zone, Panamà County, Panamà. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Simon Theoktisto.

Theodore Simon Theaktisto was born on August 27th, 1913 to Simon Theoktisto Sr and Maria Patrakidi. He had siblings Siona, Basilio, Thomasa, and four more sisters and three more brothers. Simon Theoktisto and Maria Petralidis were parents of 9 children. Simon Theoktisto Petralidis, the eldest son, learned Aviation Mechanics. A truly wonderful man who lived a life freely to the fullest. His stories and anecdotes were fascinating, he was an indescribable and exceptional character. He spent 14 years in Africa, where he lived with different cultures. Uncle Simon was born with the name Theoktisto Theoktistou, as it was the name of his grandfather... (which denoted the name of his father's first-born son, Simon Theoktisto). It is a Greek custom to give the firstborn the name of the grandfather, and that leads to a specific order within the family tree of each family for his identification. On ancient maps of Greece, a place called "Arcadia Theoktisto" is noted. The surname Theoktisto is a surname of Greek origin whose meaning is “Built by God” or “God Builder”. Theo (Θεό) Κτιστο= Built. The surname Petralidis denotes the endings "idis" ("oglu" which leads to the ending of a Microasiatic surname, that is, son of Petro... Simon Theoktisto Petralidis has a not very well-known story. He saved the lives of many people in Africa during times of persecution. He fulfilled his mission by transporting people since he was a pilot. A photograph was recently auctioned that demonstrates his unique personality... The 9 brothers learned a lot of valuable information, thanks to the knowledge of their father, (a man who at that time spoke 7 languages) which shows that he was a well-traveled and cultured man, that is, my grandfather Simón who together with my grandmother María, managed to build a family who loved books and work. Honesty was the greatest lesson that grandparents left. My uncle Simón loved agriculture, vegetables, and he decided to study at university to produce in his own garden. He will always be in me ❤️ - Penelope Theoktisto. Simon Theoktisto died on August 14th, 2010 in Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, at the age of 96.