James C. Pleat

James Christopher Pleat, 90, of Manchester, died Wednesday March 7, 2012 at the Arbors in Bedford surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Manchester on November 24, 1921 to Christostomos and Yianoula Pleatsikas. James was educated in the Manchester school system, graduating from Central High School in 1940. His first jobs included the Shea Theater Company, Mohican Market and John B. Varick Company in Manchester. James enlisted in the Marine Corps in June, 1942, just six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After completing basic training in Parris Island, SC, he attended a communications school for radio operators in Quantico, VA. He was then transferred to Camp Lejeune, NC, where he joined The Sixth Marine Division. After several months of training in San Diego CA, James left for the Pacific Theater , where he fought in the Marshall Islands, Guam and Okinawa, from April to June, 1945. James received his honorable discharge in November of 1945.
Once home, James attended the University of New Hampshire. In the summer of 1949, he met Eugenia Caros of Nashua, NH. They married in June of 1950, thus beginning their self- described "wonderful life together". In 1951, James received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Jim's employment history included General Electric, Portland Renewal Authority of Portland Maine, the Economic Development Authority, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Manchester, from which he retired in 1984. Jim was an active member of Holy Trinity (Portland, ME) and St. George Greek Orthodox (Manchester) Churches. He served in the St. George NOA Club, AHEPA and Men's Choral Group. He participated annually in the church's Fall Glendi. Throughout the years, Jim remained active in real estate, but was most fulfilled by having directed the construction of his five family homes. After retirement, he especially enjoyed spending time with his four grandchildren, playing golf, traveling and surrounding himself with extended family. He was an avid reader, and began journaling memoirs and short stories of his childhood, about which he enjoyed reminiscing. His most notable interests were European history, the Great American West, travel, and politics.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eugenia C. Pleat; his daughter, Janice Kanteres and her husband Gregory A. of St. Louis, MO; a son, Philip J. Pleat and his wife Lisa (Leonard) of Nashua; four grandchildren, Gregory and Nicholas Kanteres of St. Louis, Jennifer Pleat of New York City, and James Pleat of Nashua. He is also survived by a brother, Tim Preston of Santa Ana, CA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Charles C. Pleatsikas and two sisters, Sophie Ruano and Helen Kapayanis.

Calling hours will be at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., on Sunday from 4 to 8 PM. The Trisageon Service will take place during the calling hours at 6:00 PM. Funeral service will be help on Monday morning at 10:00 in St. Geroge Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Committal service with military honors will follow at 1:30 PM in Woodlawn Cemetery, Nashua. Donations may be made to to St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Havover St., Manchester, NH03104.