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.
From left: Maria Vasaka-Monioudis, president of Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center; Dinos Tannousis; Zoe Koutsoupakis, vice president and founder of Holy Cross Brooklyn Outreach Center; Michael Esposito, owner of Cebu; and V. Rev. Fr. Gerasimos Makris of Holy Cross Church. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
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.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
