Obituary

Aristotle "Telly" Lambros Svingos
(July 28, 1954 - October 21, 2017)

Aristotle (Telly) Lambros Svingos, 63, of Huntington, proclaimed victory over his battle of cancer and was received by his Lord Jesus Christ on October 21st at his residence with his wife and children by his side. Aristotle was born July 28th 1954 in Huntington to Lambros Aristotle Svingos (who preceded him in death) and Mary Jonson Svingos of Huntington. Also surviving is his wife and soulmate of 31 years, Janet Compton Svingos; his four children, Anthony A. Svingos, Lambros A. Svingos (and his daughter Avery), Alexandra A. Svingos, and Maria Simone Svingos; two brothers , two sisters, and two god-children. Telly graduated from Huntington High in 1972 where he was a wrestler, placing third in the state tournament and later winning the West Virginia State Open Qualifier for a spot in the Olympic training camp in Minnesota. He attended Marshall University and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.   Telly grew up working from a young age in the family-owned business that his grandfather started upon arriving in Huntington from Greece in 1911. Being the owner of Victor’s Cleaners and Launderers-the longest family run business in Huntington to date.  He was a certified drycleaner and Telly was also an expert ‘hatter’, a craft that few today master; cleaning, blocking, and designing hats for a clientele of ladies and gentleman all over the country that sought his expertise.  Telly found great joy in serving his customers and the community with his skills from establishing a tradition of presenting custom-made hats to professional hockey players upon scoring a ‘hat-trick’ on the ice, to refurbishing and mending leather in cars, sewing and creating dog and cat leashes that he donated to local animal shelters and other organizations. He designed name plates and patches for local sports teams and fraternal organizations.  His true claim to fame was his expertise and certification in cleaning, shaping, and hanging draperies using an apparatus that could accommodate custom curtains up to 20 feet.  Telly was a member and served for 40 years on the Board of Directors and also served in all offices of the West Virginia Dry-Cleaners and Launderers Association, as well as Executive Director.  Telly attended and served in all offices at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Huntington and had been very loyal to his Greek heritage throughout his life by serving as an altar boy in his youth.  He was a member of the Sons of Pericles--a youth organization dedicated to improving communities through philanthropy and civic responsibility—serving in all offices in the local chapter as well as being the District Governor over all chapters in W.Va. and Ohio.  Telly was a member of AHEPA (American Hellenic Education Progressive Association); dedicated to the preservation of ancient Greek thoughts, customs, and styles. He also served as co-chairman in the annual Greek festival in Huntington for over 30 years.  Telly was a loyal member of the Barboursville Moose Lodge 2586, a member of NRA (National Rifle Association), a licensed motorcyclist, and had earned his navy-blue belt with two of his children in the art of taekwondo.  His most passionate endeavors were his children and granddaughter. From coaching his children in t-ball, minor league baseball, little league baseball, junior/senior league softball, to YMCA buddy league basketball. He traveled to numerous tournaments and games all over the country as well as attended many dance recitals and competitions. He was his children’s biggest fan in all aspects of their lives.  In March of 2012. Telly began the battle of his life fighting a rare cancer, Multiple Myeloma.  When reoccurring times arose that all odds seemed against him, Telly’s strength amazed even his doctors and would overcome.  Telly always gave God the glory and knew it was the prayers of so many friends, colleagues, and family that grace was given him. In August of 2014, these friends, colleagues and the community gathered for the ‘Telly’s Titans’ Fundraiser event to help ease the financial burden of costly treatment.  The outpouring of love and support given to Telly was humbling to he and his family and will forever be honored by them as such.  Mayor Steve Williams proclaimed the second day of August to be ‘Aristotle “Telly” Svingos Day’ every year since and henceforth in Huntington, honoring Telly as a distinguished individual.  In 2016, Telly was honored by being inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by receiving the distinguished Medal of Courage; this award, given only to a former American wrestler who has overcome insurmountable challenges.  Telly was an outstanding and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a wonderful friend to many. He touched many lives and will be truly missed by all. Telly’s family would like to thank for their care of him: Dr. Kimmey, of Saint Mary’s Medical Center; Dr. Jamil, of Edwards Comprehensive Center and all the staff and all the wonderful nurses in both facilities that showed great compassion and worked diligently for Telly. Thank you to Mike Zuliani and staff at Healthsouth for helping Telly learn how to walk again with love and compassion; to Bob Ange and his wonderful staff at the Musekamp Family Hope Lodge for not just providing a ‘home away from home’ but for giving of themselves and caring during tough days. A special thank you to Dr. Saulius Girnius, of UC Medical Center, his team of doctors and nurses who specialize in Hematology/Oncology. Thank you to Telly’s Titans for their enduring support and love and to the multitudes of friends and family who gave support. Lastly, a very special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Elias Anaissie, Medical Director of CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, formerly of UC. Dr. Anaissie is a world-renowned Hematologist/Oncologist with expertise in Infectious Disease research.  Dr. Anaissie gave the family hope when there was none left and it is because of his tenacity, compassion, care, and spectacular staff only behind God and prayers, that gave the family more time. Dr. Anassie became Telly’s friend and he receives much respect, gratitude, and love from Telly’s family. Friends may call Thursday from 4pm-8pm at Klingel-Carpenter Mortuary where The Trisagion will be said at 7:30pm. Funeral services will be held noon on Friday at St. George Greek Orthodox Church.