NEW YORK — A wave of shock and sorrow swept through the more than one thousand delegates attending AHEPA’s Supreme Convention this week following the sudden and untimely death of Demetrios Kirkiles, the organization’s Past Supreme Treasurer and current legal counsel.

Kirkiles passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Philadelphia, with his wife Effie by his side.

According to former AHEPA president Demetrios Kokotas, who spoke with reporters, Kirkiles served the organization — as well as other Greek-American community events in Florida — with passion and dedication throughout his years of involvement.

His wife, Effie, is equally active within the Order, having recently been elected Supreme Treasurer of the Daughters of Penelope at the national convention, where she was also serving as a delegate.

Kirkiles traced his roots to Meligalas, in the Peloponnese, and was the eldest of three children born to the late Christos and Emilia Kirkiles. He and his two siblings were all born in the United States. His parents invested heavily in his education, and he went on to graduate from law school, later founding his own eponymous law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, specializing in maritime law.

AHEPA Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson issued a statement expressing the organization’s grief and honoring Kirkiles’ years of service:

“Supreme President E. Chris Kaitson expresses deep sorrow on behalf of the entire AHEPA Family on the passing of Past Supreme Treasurer Demetrios Kirkiles of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Brother Demetrios passed away on July 28th, early in the morning, at 5 a.m. Demetrios was attending the AHEPA Supreme Convention in Philadelphia. He served AHEPA in many capacities on the local, district, and national levels.”

Kaitson added: “Our deepest sympathies go out to his lovely wife Effie and his family. We will always remember Demetrios for his dedication to service and commitment to community.”

May his memory be eternal.

Source : anamniseis.net