HAVERHILL - Sotirios V. Papaefthemiou, 86, of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, January 1, 2017 after a brief illness.

Sotirios was born on May 9, 1930 in Pentalofos, Greece. He immigrated to this country in 1957, settling in Haverhill. Cherished husband of Adele (Mastrogianis) Papaefthemiou with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. They raised a loving family together and he will be greatly missed.

He spent his career as a self-employed contractor and property owner. Sotirios worked tirelessly to bring his siblings and other family members to the United States from Greece for a better life. He enjoyed hosting large gatherings for family and friends at their home. Sotirios is a long-time member of the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church where he served as a Board of Director.

In addition to his wife Adele, Sotirios's family members include his loving sons, Christos Papaefthemiou and wife Colleen of Haverhill; Vasilios Papaefthemiou and wife Patricia of Groveland; and the late John Papaefthemiou who passed in 2000; adored grandchildren, Sotirios Papaefthemiou and wife Allison, Evan Papaefthemiou, Jocelyn Papaefthemiou and Brian Papaefthemiou; great-grandchildren Kaiden and Lilliana Papaefthemiou; sister in-law Chrysoula Papaefthemiou; many nieces and nephews; brother of the late Andrew Papaefthemiou, Zaharo Saita, Efthemia Benelas, Demetra Kontova and Efthemios Papaefthemiou.

His funeral will be held Thursday morning, January 5, beginning in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill at 10:00 AM. Funeral Service in the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter Street, Haverhill at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Linwood Cemetery.

Calling hours Wednesday in the funeral home from 4:00 to 7:00 PM.

Contributions may be made in Sotirios's memory to the Holy Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154-156 Winter Street, Haverhill, MA 01830. For online guestbook please visit www.driscollcares.com