Father Andrew Daregas fell asleep in the Lord on March 4, 2022.
He was born Andrea Frank Kekolas January 27, 1927, in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Greek immigrants Anastasios Kekolas and Vasiliki (Bessy) Kloufetos. His father passed away when Andre was one year old and his mother remarried Frank Daregas who raised Andrea as his own son. Andrea Americanized his first name to Andrew and took his stepfather’s name Daregas.
Andrew graduated Altoona High School and worked for his mother and father in their Greek restaurant, Alto Lunch. He enlisted in the Navy in 1946. After serving in the military, he attended Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School in Pomfret, Connecticut, graduating in May 1949.
He served 59 years as an Orthodox priest under the Greek Diocese to parishes in Casper, Wyoming; McAllen, Texas; Bakersfield and Crescent City, California; Brooklyn, Nebraska; and Oregon. He assisted various parishes as interim priest and was fundamental to helping establish St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Eureka. He was known for his ability to restore the lives of troubled parishes.
In 2014 he moved to Eureka, California in order to receive medical care and became the beloved friend and mentor to St. Innocent Orthodox Church. He was known for his great humor, his love of parties, good food, classical and 1950’s music, and little children.
He is predeceased by siblings Arthur, Michael, Ethel, Alexandria, William and Christina. He leaves his loving friends Michael and Kat Hewgill and their child Elizabeth; and Charlotte and Stephen Hawks; and his church family from St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Eureka.
He will be remembered as a kind and loving man who served others by serving Christ. May his memory be eternal.