NEWS 2018

A fund has been established to honor Thomas K. Kontizas, a New York City Firefighter for 22 years and 9/11 First Responder. Kontizas passed earlier this year after a courageous battle with AML, a type of leukemia disproportionately experienced by 9/11 First Responders.

The Kontizas Fund was established by Karen A. Kontizas his wife of 44 years. “Tom loved moving to Pike County, a love he expressed in many ways. The fund will honor Tommy and his legacy of generosity and love.”

“Tom Kontizas was a filled to the brim with passion – he lived his life to the fullest, he savored life, he loved life, and he adored and cherished his gorgeous Karen, and she him. Theirs was a true love story. His bravery and his concern for all shone brightly, and never dulled on the days that followed 9/11. He loved his family and his friends and he was as loyal as the day was long. If he loved you, you could do no wrong, if you did him wrong, he would find ways to love you. There will be no other like him.” said Amy Ferris a longtime friend of the Kontizas family.

Tom and his wife Karen, lived in Dingman’s Ferry, and they were frequent volunteers for community activities. “It has been heartwarming to see so many of Tom and Karen’s friends and family contribute to the Kontizas Fund,” said Greater Pike’s Executive Director, Jenni Hamill.

Grants from the new Fund will support efforts that were important to the Kontizas family, including first responders and emergency services, the arts and social services.

Contributions to The Kontizas Fund, or any other Greater Pike Fund can be made by contacting Jenni Hamill, Executive Director at (570) 832-4686 jennihamill@greaterpike.org or visiting the website.