HAVERHILL - Vlasios A. Benelas, longtime Haverhill resident passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, October 15, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester.

Vlasios was born in Volos, Greece on December 12, 1958 to loving parents Andrew and Efthemia (Papaefthemiou) Benelas. He immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 10 and settled in Haverhill with his family. Educated in Haverhill schools and was a longtime resident until residing in Worcester after retirement.

He worked with his brother for over 30 years in the family business in Lowell, Captain Jason's Restaurant until his retirement. Vlasios enjoyed all sports especially the teams from Pittsburgh, specifically the Steelers and Penguins, traveling to Greece to spend time with his family and friends there as well as family gatherings in the U.S. and Greek music. He was a loving and caring man that loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

His surviving family members include his loving siblings John Benelas of Haverhill, Eleni Monty and husband Peter of Fremont, NH; caring nieces Joanne and Christina; cherished partner for many years Julie Tounsi of Worcester; other family members both in the U.S. and in Greece and many friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 18 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Private burial will take place in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Vlasios's memory may be made to the American Heart Association (aha.org) at 300 5th Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451-8750. For online guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com