Beloved father and grandfather Demetrios (Demetrius) Anastasios Toutounas of Hyde Park, NY passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 3rd. He is survived by his daughter Lili, grandson Omar, 12, and granddaughter Esme, 5.

Demetrius was born in Cortland, NY, to Maria (Mary) née Anagnost and Anastasios Toutounas on April 16, 1947.

He was a gifted intellectual with a lifelong appetite for knowledge and was particularly known for his ability to speak multiple languages. Demetrius graduated from Syracuse University in 1970 with a BA in English Literature and Romance Languages, and later pursued his MA in Ancient Greek and Latin at New York University (NYU), graduating in 1975.

Demetrius's pursuit of knowledge developed into a passion for teaching. From 1985-2001 he taught Spanish, French, and Latin, and Chaired the History Department at Oakwood Friends School in Poughkeepsie, NY. From 2001-2019 he taught French, Spanish, and Latin, and Chaired the Language Department at Suffield Academy in Connecticut. Demetrius always found an opportunity to impart knowledge, regaling his family and students with his favorite topic: etymology.

As a teenager, Demetrius lived with his aunt and uncle in Greece attending school there for several years. Later, as an adult he returned to Europe, residing in Paris with ex-wife Deborah Stewart, with whom he remained good friends; soon after they welcomed their daughter Lili.

A lifelong collector, he cherished books, music, coins, and the ancient world. In 1994 he was honored as a Fullbright Scholar in Rome, Italy.

Most important to Demetrius was his family. He adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed dining out, and summer barbecues with the Reich & Stewart family in New York and New Jersey. He loved driving through the countryside and always insisted on taking the scenic route even if it meant a longer journey. Demetrius was quick witted and perhaps known most for his humor; he delighted in pranking his friends and family using various aliases. To be friends with Demetrius meant falling victim to one of his pranks at least once. He loved gardening and animals, even the chipmunks in his yard. His laugh was robust and genuine.

Demetrius's presence enriched the lives of many: family, friends, students, and colleagues alike. He left a lasting impression on many of his students, who recall him as their favorite teacher decades later. His legacy of knowledge, humor, and love of his family will continue to inspire and make us smile. He will be deeply missed.