Andrew G. Saffas
1922 - 2017
The Kytherian Society mourns the loss of long time member Andrew G. Saffas on July 21, 2017. Andy and his wife Niki (Andronikos) have been long time supporters of the Kytherian Society and have attended their annual Panigyris for many years.
As an extremely talented artist and sculptor, Andy shared his talents and works of art on many occasions. His giclee prints of Naos Agias Tridadas in Kythera, and a framed photograph were auctioned off to the highest bidders at our Panigyri’s. In addition, he designed beautiful note cards with scenes from Kythera and a boy and girl in traditional Kytherian costume. We owe our thanks to Andy for his dedication and thought that went into the creating the LOGO for the Kytherian Society of California. The distinction of "Honorary Kytherian" was bestowed upon him in 2010.
Andy will always be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and warm and generous heart. He will be dearly missed by all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Niki and all of his family.
Eternal be his memory.
Published in East Bay Times on July 28, 2017
Andrew died peacefully at home at 95 years of age. Early in life he demonstrated artistic talent and became very accomplished, producing bronze sculptures, fine oil paintings and jewelry. (saffasart.com; andrewgsaffas.com) He had a love for his Greek culture, and his art was inspired by the people and landscapes of Greece. With surviving wife Niki, Andrew shared a love of Greek dance, and they performed often in authentic Greek dress. His most proud artistic accomplishment was the bronze Soldier Memorial Monument, since 2005 situated in Athens, Greece. The Trisagion will begin at 7 pm on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Ascension Greek Orthodox Church, 4700 Lincoln St., Oakland. Funeral services begin at 11 am on Monday, July 31, 2017, also at the church. Graveside service at Sunset View Cemetery will be private.
Read Andy’s thoughts on the creation of:
The Kytherian Society Logo in 2010
Niki presenting the logo to the members of the board
Beautfiul photograph donated by Andy & Niki for our auction.
On two separate occasions Andy and Niki donated this gorgeous giclee print of Naos Agias Tridadas in Kythera for our auction.
Naos Agias Tridadas - Ναοσ Αγιασ Τριαδοσ - Kythera 2007
Note cards of Kytherian girl and boy in traditional dress.
Andy and Niki at the 2014 Panigyri
Visit Andy’s website SaffasArt to see some of his amazing artwork and sculptures, including the Soldier Memorial Monument "in honor of the volunteers - Greek Americans, Greek Immigrants and Americans - of Company C, 2671st Special Reconnaissance Battalion, U.S. Army, who, together with Greek Resistance Forces in 1944, fought for the Liberation of Greece, the occupied land of their forebears."
Read Andy’s REFLECTIONS on the PAA website.
"The sculptor reflects on the origins of his art and on the vitality of dance, and remembers his parents".
