Demosthenes D. Kouzounis

Demo Kouzounis, 85, passed away on the morning of Thursday, March 14, 2024. He was the founder and owner of Demo’s Automotive Center in the Rice Village. He was born November 7, 1938 in Thessaloniki Greece. When he was eight years old, along with his mother and second eldest brother, he boarded a ship bound for Ellis Island in New York. There he met his father for the first time and the family travelled together to Houston where he remained. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1957 and from the University of Houston College of Technology, specializing in Auto Mechanics in June 1961. He proudly served his country in the United States Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve until his honorable discharge in 1961. Upon his discharge, he married his childhood sweetheart, Elayne, on August 27, 1961, and celebrated 62 years as husband and wife.
He worked for three years as a technician at various auto shops until he started working for Harry Leritis, a Greek man who ran his own auto shop. On October 4, 1964, Demo bought Harry’s shop and Demo’s Automotive was born – an automotive shop that runs successfully until today.
Demo is best described as generous, loyal, and down to earth. He loved going to Galveston, where he would boat, fish, and sit on the deck watching the sunset – while enjoying his favorite Chivas Regal. He was a master technician and welder. He enjoyed many hobbies including glasswork, woodworking, gardening, fixing up antique cars and hot rods, cooking, and baking. However, his greatest passion was his family. Spending the holidays, and celebrating birthdays and special occasions together was his greatest joy.
He was a faithful and lifetime steward of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston.
Demo is preceded in death by his parents, Demosthenis and Smaro Hatziantoniou Kouzounis, and his two brothers Konstantinos Kouzounis and Anthony Kouzounis. He is survived by his wife, Elayne Caloudas Kouzounis, daughter Katherine K. Cafcalas and husband Andrew; son Costa Kouzounis; daughter Smaro K. Elgohary and husband Peter; son Demo Kouzounis III, and wife Christina; and grandchildren Andrew, Eleni, Laynie, Georgia, Demi, Demo, Yonni, and Michael.
Visitation is Saturday, March 16, 2024 from noon until one o’clock in the afternoon with the funeral service immediately following from one until two o’clock at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd. Houston, TX. Following the funeral, the family will host the Makaria (meal of mercy) in the S. P. Martel Hall, immediately adjacent to the Cathedral. Interment will be on Monday, March 18, 2024 at one o’clock in the afternoon at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Benevolent Fund, or the charity of your choice.