Vassilios E. Ringas

June 3, 1941 - March 26, 2023

06/03/1941 - 03/26/2023

Past Services

Visitation
Thursday March 30, 2023
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home – Denbigh Chapel
12893 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608
(757) 874-4200 | Directions
Additional Information:

Trisagion to start at 6pm

Funeral Service
Friday March 31, 2023
11:30 am
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
60 Traverse Road
Newport News, Virginia 23606
(757) 596-6151 | Directions
Cemetery
Friday March 31, 2023
1:00 pm
Peninsula Memorial Park
12750 Warwick Blvd
Newport News, Virginia 23606
Directions

Vassilios Evangelos Ringas, 81, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 26, 2023, in the comfort of his own home, with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Georgianna Ringas.
Vassilios (Bill) was born on June 3rd, 1941 in Athens, Greece. He served in both the Greek Navy and Merchant Marines however his heart was always set on achieving the American Dream. His first years in the United States were spent in New Jersey, where he met and married his wife Georgianna and together they owned and operated a local gas station. In pursuit of a better life for his family, Vassilios joined the U.S. Army and settled in Newport News, VA. His military service included an overseas tour of duty and three deployments where he served as Vessel Master, Harbor Master, and Commander. Vassilios received numerous accolades during his military career, including the Bronze Star Medal for his combat service during the Persian Gulf War. He retired in 1994 as a Chief Warrant Officer Three, with over 20 years of service.
The pride and joy of Vassilios’ life was his family, which he considered his greatest achievement. He could always be found on the sidelines, cheering on his children or grandchildren, in whatever sport or activity they were involved with. He was so proud to see his family carrying on his Greek heritage, whether it was Greek dancing, GOYA or other involvement in the Greek community.
Vassilios was known to his family and community as an inquisitive, self-taught man who firmly believed in the philosophy of trying to “fix” things before “replacing” them. He instilled the importance of independence in all his children. To Vassilios, learning something new was considered an “opportunity”. He taught himself many things throughout his lifetime; how to make repairs on cars, build complicated model ships, garden, cook and more. He could pretty much disassemble and rebuild just about anything he put his hands on. In his free time, he enjoyed playing Backgammon and cards, watching the History Channel, Animal Planet, soccer, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was an active member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and AHEPA. Vassilios was also a proud member of the local DAV where he continued his friendship with so many of the men that he served with in the Army.
Left behind to honor and cherish his memory are his children and grandchildren: Dora Ringas; Karen (Randy) Pingley, Brandon (Elizabeth) and Samantha; Anna (Cono) Capobianco, Alexis, Cono, and Aidan; Evangelos (Elizabeth) Ringas, Calista, Melina, and Vassilios; Hazel (Olen) Bruce, Isabella, Carmella, and Aurelio; and Helen Micha, Christopher and Mary. He also leaves behind his second wife and companion for the later years of his life, Diem Maria, and her family.
A Trisagion prayer service will take place on Thursday, March 30th at 6pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home in Denbigh (12893 Jefferson Ave). The family will receive friends there from 5pm-7pm.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 31 at 11:30am at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church (60 Traverse Road). Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park immediately after the service. A reception (Makaria) will follow at the Hellenic Center on church grounds.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vassilios’s honor can be made to AHEPA (memo field, Scholarship Fund – Ringas), 62 Traverse Rd., Newport News, VA 23606.

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Anita Whitehead
11 months ago

So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Always loved seeing him on our trips back home in college. Such wonderful memories with your family. Love to you all

Susan Price
11 months ago

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May you all find peace in the knowledge that he is reunited with your mother. Prayers of comfort for your entire family.

Timothy Todd
11 months ago

To the Family of Mr Ringas.
My heart and prayers go out to you.
I am truly sorry to hear of his passing.
May God bless and strengthen you all.
And Heaven upon you .
Praying for comfort and peace.

George & Athena Canavos
11 months ago

Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. We hope that God gives you the strength to go through this difficult period in your lives. George and Athena Canavos

Nick Matthews
11 months ago

Brother Bill knew his most precious GIFT was his family. May the Dear Lord grant your family strength and comfort during this sad time. As Orthodox Christians we believe and know that one day we will be together in God’s Kingdom. His thoughtful obituary told us how Brother Bill achieved the American Dream, served both countries, and was a faithful parishioner.
May His Memory Be Eternal
Kathy and Nick Matthews

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
11 months ago

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,

 May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Vassilios Evangelos Ringas, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.

I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.

My thoughts

and prayers to the family of ….

US Army Veteran, Vassilios Evangelos Ringas, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Richard and Jean Greene
11 months ago

It was a joy to have known him.

John & Joanne Thomas
11 months ago

Dear Ringas Family, We are very sad to learn of Bill’s passing. He was a dedicated parishioner in our church community and gave of himself in his patriotic service to our country as well. His sacrifices will be part of his memory eternal.

Helen George
11 months ago

Solon and I are very sorry for your loss ! He will be missed ! He is on a journey to a better place ! He is just away ! May your memories bring you comfort ! In deep sympathy
Helen George and
Solon Paul