Funeral Wednesday for Alec's Shoes Founder

Alexander ‘Alec’ J. Koutsos, 96, of Nashua, a well-known Nashua businessman, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 15, 2014, at Langdon Place in Nashua.

“Alec”, as he was known to his friends, was born in Pentalofos, Greece in 1917, a son of the late John and Martha (Toutorous) Koutsos.  Mr. Koutsos immigrated to the United States at age 17 and settled in Manchester, NH.  He quickly learned the English language and graduated from Manchester Central High School with honors.  He then attended the NH School of Accounting while also working alongside his father and older brother, Charles, in the family shoe business in Manchester.  In 1938, Alexander established his own shoe store in Downtown Nashua, Alec’s Shoes, which still thrives today.  Alexander proudly served his country during World War II as an aerial reconnaissance photographer.  While serving abroad, his sister, Sophia Mandikos, successfully kept the business running and for this Alec was forever grateful.  After returning from the war, Alec met Eva Zagorites of Lowell, MA.  They married in February of 1953 and raised their family in Nashua.  During this time, Alec worked tirelessly to build a successful business.  His dedication is the reason the family shoe store he established more than 75 years ago continues to serve generations of families.  Alec’s life epitomized a generation of immigrants that came to America to create a better life.

Alexander had a passion for travel and photography and together with his wife, Eva, enjoyed several trips to Europe and extended winter stays in Hawaii.

Alexander was a parishioner of St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church, a member of the Pan Macedonian Society, Nashua Order of Ahepa, and the Exchange Club.

Besides his parents, Alexander was predeceased by his beloved wife Eva (Zagorites) Koutsos who died April 13, 1992; two sisters Emorfia Pervanas and Amalia Pantajiakos; and brother Charles J. Koutsos.

Members of his loving family include daughter Dr. Martha Koutsos Howard and her husband Dr. Dean C. Howard of Concord, MA; sons James A. Koutsos of Washington D.C. and John A. Koutsos and his wife Diane of Nashua; grandchildren Lia Howard, Olivia and Alexander Koutsos; sister, Sophia Mandikos of Raleigh, NC; as well as many nieces and nephews.

His family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff and caregivers of Langdon Place of Nashua for the exceptional care and compassion that Alexander received.

SERVICES:  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday February 18, 2014 in the Anctil-Rochette & Son Funeral Home, 21 Kinsley Street Nashua, from 3 to 8 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday February 19, 2014 in St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church, 500 West Hollis St., Nashua at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church, 500 West Hollis St., Nashua, NH 03060 or to the Nashua Police Athletic League, 52 Ash St., Nashua, NH 03060.