
Zoe Koutsoupakis, a distinguished member of the Greek American community who was known for her philanthropic nature, big heart and infectious energy, passed away on Aug. 3 in Karpathos, Greece. She was 69.
According to her family, Koutsoupakis suddenly felt unwell in the afternoon, complaining of chest pains and nausea, and ultimately had a heart attack in her sleep.
Koutsoupakis was a member of numerous organizations and gave her extensive experience, passion and loyalty, along with fundraising, to support and advance each organization’s mission.
Most recently, she was vice president and founder of the Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center, a Pan-Orthodox Christian Charity which serves approximately 60 families in need a day with free food, clothing and supplies.
Koutsoupakis once told the Brooklyn Eagle, “Ever since I came to this country [from Greece], my mission was to help the needy.”
Koutsoupakis also had a long and accomplished career in the banking sector, serving as district manager for both Atlantic Bank and Marathon Bank. She later became senior vice president and group director at Signature Bank.
At a service for Koutsoupakis at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, 8401 Ridge Blvd., which was packed to capacity, V. Rev. Fr. Gerasimos Makris told spectators that Bay Ridge and the Greek community will never be the same again.
“Zoe was proud to be Greek, but beyond that, she was proud to be a New Yorker,” Makris said.

Makris referred to Koutsoupakis as “a tough cookie.”
“Tough because she wanted things to get done,” Makris explained. “She pursued excellence. Zoe was the real thing — a woman who was always dedicated and worked hard.”
Koutsoupakis also had ties to the political sector as she was extremely close to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who would often attend her community fundraisers.
In a post on X, Adams wrote that he is “heartbroken by the sudden loss of my dear friend Zoe Koutsoupakis. [She was] a pillar of Bay Ridge and the Greek American community. Her love, generosity and deep faith touched countless lives. May her memory be eternal.”
Maria Vasaka-Monioudis, president of the Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center, told the Eagle that she was shocked by the news of Koutsoupakis’ passing.
“She was a truly amazing woman,” Vasaka-Monioudis said. “Zoe was a powerhouse, a dedicated mother, a successful businesswoman, a philanthropist who had a heart of gold, and a community leader. She was truly inspirational and will be missed dearly.”
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