In Memoriam Stephen G. Yeonas
Thelma and Stephen G. Yeonas
Argyris Vassiliou, Chairman of The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Fund, expressed great sadness on the loss of its esteemed former Chairman, Stephen G. Yeonas, who passed away on November 11, Veterans Day, at the age of 95.
As Chairman, from 2008 to 2010, he introduced innovations in membership recruitment, grants administration, communications and marketing. As National Chairman of the Millennium Membership Drive 2000-01, he oversaw our phenomenal growth. Steve fully gave his talents and energy to Leadership 100, according to Vassiliou.
With his beloved wife of 69 years, Thelma, who passed away in 2019, he presided over Leadership 100 with vigor and warmth, imparting his wisdom to all.
Invested as Archon Ostiarios in 1996, he chaired the historic Patriarchal Visitation to Washington DC in 2007 when His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
A true Christian, he was always concerned for the wellbeing of those retired priests and presvyteres of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese who were not able to have pension benefits, having personally offered to underwrite such support. He was also responsible for raising the funds for the Leadership 100 Fitness Center at Hellenic College/Holy Cross and many other projects at the school.
Born and raised and living his entire life as a Washingtonian, he served in the Army from 1943-46. He returned from WW II and established the Yeonas Company in Arlington, Virginia with his three brothers, Gus, Jimmy, and Paul. He Received a BS in Business Administration from American University in 1948 and a JD from Catholic University in 1967. He and his brothers spent the next two decades building and developing more than 14,000 quality homes. By 1972, serving as President, The Yeonas Company became the No. 1 builder of new homes in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
A recipient of numerous professional and civic awards, he was a member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Washington, DC.
He is survived by two children, Stephanie (Richard) and Stephen (Elizabeth); five grandchildren, Rich (Kimberly), Jason (Kristen), Victoria, Patricia and Stephen; and six great-grandchildren, Mason, Madison, Abigail, Luke, Graham and William.
