Theofanis E "Ted" Pozios

Theofanis E. “Ted” Pozios, 81, of St. Clair, died Thursday, July 11, 2024.

He was born March 15, 1943 in Lygaria, Thessalia, Greece to the late Evangelos and Panagiota Pozios. He married Koula Karamanos on May 27, 1973 in Detroit. He courted her until she finally said yes. They went on to create their family, Ted’s proudest achievement.

He immigrated through Canada at the age of 22, with just $50 and a suitcase. He came to the United States a year and a half later. He worked as a bus boy and paid close attention to everything. Though he lacked schooling and did not know the language, he became his own advocate. In his words, “I want to make it on my own sweat and tears.” He eventually opened his first restaurant, with his brother Chris, in 1976, in downtown Port Huron. The brothers separated and Ted opened the original Ted’s Coney Island on the south side of Port Huron in 1986. After that, he began opening multiple Ted’s Coney Islands. He also had a passion for real estate. He developed several commercial properties in St. Clair and Macomb County. He loved to work and truly lived the American dream.

When he was not at the restaurant or a construction site, Ted enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids, who he absolutely adored and they worshipped him. He also enjoyed gardening, beaches, and traveling. He always had the best tan.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Koula; a son, Paul (Stacey) Pozios; two daughters, Patty (Dimitri) Pozios Vasilos and Vivian (Niko) Moschouris; eleven grandchildren, Teddy, Kyria, George, Christian, Vasili, Dimitri, Angelina, Kiki, Ari, Theofanis, Natia; siblings, Eva (Pete) Caruso, Yanni (Eugenia) Pozios, and Kosta (Toni) Pozios; brothers-in-law, Petro (Georgia) Karamanos and Louie (Pam) Karamanos; sister-in-law, Stella (Denny) Bass; and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren whom he loved very much.

He was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Marysville Funeral Home. The Trisagion service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Pozios will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. The Reverend Dr. Michael Varlamos will officiate.

Burial will be in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Twp.

In lieu of flowers, the family strongly prefers memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Monastery in Smiths Creek, St. Panteleimon Chapel in Lexington, or Assumption Greek Orthodox Church.

To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com