Konstantinos “Deno” Kambouris

Our cherished Husband, Father, Papou (grandfather), Theo, and faithful servant of God, Konstantinos “Deno” Haralambos Kambouris, peacefully passed away in his home on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Deno was born on March 26th, 1937, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Deno was an only child, of Greek immigrants Haralambos (Harry) and Demitra Kambouris. Deno grew up on a farm in Farmington, UT, where he adored the country life with his parents and beloved dog Poncho. Deno’s father was a great example of a man who knew how to work hard and also took the time to express his artistic abilities and cultural identity.  In 1956, Deno graduated from Davis High School. Before his graduation, he committed to the US Army National Guard, serving his country for 10 years and achieving Sargent First Class. While in service, Deno received a bachelor’s degree from Weber State College in 1965. Deno worked various jobs at Ajax and Kennecott Copper Corporation, among others. Along the way, Deno completed a second bachelor’s degree from Utah State University as well as certificates from the University of Utah and BYU. His expanded education gave him the opportunity to work at the Utah Department of Transportation as an Engineer Technician, where he would ultimately retire.
Deno was introduced to Mary Manousakis on a Sunday after church, who would become the love of his life. On September 10th, 1961, they married at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Salt Lake City. Their relationship was a catalyst for their devotion to each other, their faith, and their community. Deno and Mary shared their love and Greek hospitality with many. Deno served his community as a Sunday School teacher and Parish Council member. In addition, he was a member of many cultural organizations, including AHEPA, HCA, and GAPA. With Mary, he chaired the squid preparation and food lines for the Greek Festival, volunteered at the annual Thanksgiving dinner for those in need, and, along with his brother-in-law Michael Manousakis, spearheaded an effort to cook and serve breakfast to hundreds of people in need for almost four years.
Deno’s creativity and service never stopped. In his early years, he played guitar, especially country music and traditional Greek songs, worked on cars, hunted, fished, and anything that required working with his hands. His love of music led him to the opportunity of being a disc jockey for “Greek Hour” in a local radio station. His later interests included expanding his real estate portfolio, but he took the most pride in designing and building the family home. After retirement he invented and patented an earthquake safety device. In honor of his father, Deno compiled Haralambos’ diaries and published them as a book; the only known autobiography of Greek immigration to the U.S. at the time. He also played a key role in creating the Greek section of the International Peace Gardens in Salt Lake City. Deno was a true Renaissance man. Anyone close to Deno knew that his loving and kind soul was one of his life’s great successes, including the joy his family brought him. Deno and Mary raised four children of their own and welcomed a foster child, Charlie, whom they later adopted. Deno’s lifelong passions and experiences live on through his children and grandchildren, who continue to share and cherish many of his interests today. He adored his many grandchildren, who will always hold memories of sledding in the backyard with him, steering the riding lawnmower, and learning to swim in his pool. Deno was preceded in death by his parents, and son Charlie. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; children, Dimitra, Eleni, Harry (Jenn), and Niko (Orie); and his grandchildren, Kris, Katie, Kosta, Mary, Sophia, Themi, Mitch, and Mia.
A viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 West 300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Trisagion will start at 7:00 PM. Funeral services will also be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 279 West 300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at 10:00 AM. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Trinity and Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. As he aged, his body and memory weakened, yet his love of family and faith held strong to his last breath.
Kalo Paradiso, Papou.