Obituaries
Alexis J. Zervanos, 85
April 11, 2020
Alex was born on January 21, 1935 in West Reading, Pennsylvania. He died on April 11, 2020 from COVID-19. He was one of four children born to John A. and Maria (Economides) Zervanos, who immigrated from Kos island, Greece.
He grew up in Reading where he attended Tyson Schoener Elementary, Southwest Junior High and Reading Senior High School, where he assumed a number of class officer positions. In high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society and active in the Thespian Society and president of the Dramatic Club. A stellar student, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in Classical studies from Yale University in 1959. He acquired a Master’s in Byzantine History at Harvard University as well as a Master’s in 16th century English History from the University of Wisconsin, where he was also pursuing his doctorate. His work relating to his doctorate thesis included a year of study at Oxford University. He was teaching at the University of California at Riverside, while still working on his doctorate, when in 1968 he became disabled.
He lived the remainder of his life in Reading surrounded by relatives and friends. His apartment walls were filled with books, a constant source of solace and enrichment of his life until only a few years ago. No longer able to care for himself, he came to live in Lancaster at Evergreen Retirement Community and ManorCare in 2010 to be close to his beloved physician brother, Nikitas, who served as his primary care taker.
He never married and had no children. He is preceded in death by his sister, Julia and brother Chris, and is survived by his brother, Nikitas and sister-in-law, Diana, along with four nephews and one niece and their families.
Due to the concerns of the COVID-19 virus, a private family funeral and burial service will be held. Interment will be in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Alex’s memory to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 64 Hershey Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603.
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Condolences to the Family
February 15, 2021
To the Zervanos family: I just learned of Alex’s passing. I was a TA when Alex taught at UC Riverside. He was a kind, gentle man. I lozt touch with him after he returned to Pennslyvania. With our condolences. Rihard Cosgrove & family. Tucson, Arizona
April 19, 2020
Dr. Z, my deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother. He, like you, was a very accomplished person. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. It is unfortunate that present circumstances prevented those of us who know you to express our sympathy in person.
Elizabeth H. Edmunds, MD
April 15, 2020
may his memory be eternal Kathy papadimitriou and faily
April 13, 2020
I was sorry to see that you went home to your maker. We have know each other for a long time. We spent some time on Pearl St.Later on whenever we ran into each, talked about the times that we spent on Pearl St. Rest easy Alex Sam Pullano
April 13, 2020
Dear Zervanos family, may your brother’s, uncle’s memory be etetnal. Maria Hazangeles Grant
April 13, 2020
May his memory be eternal, and may comfort be brought to your family for the loss of Alex, who was an inspiration to meet even in to his last years here. His “wall of books” was an amazing icon of how he loved the world, stories and people God created through the ages, a true academic.
“I’m sorry that your brother died, me and my mommy will pray for him”
Zoe & Ellie
April 13, 2020
Dear Dr. Z and Diana, It is with great sadness that I learned of Alex’s passing away. I remember him from my Albright College days as a beautiful, gentle soul, a kind and sincere person. I always sought him out when I would spot him at school gatherings. He was warm and welcoming and so interesting to talk to. I regret that , with the responsibilities I have had in these later years of my life, I never had the opportunity nor the time to visit with him at the retirement communities where he lived in Lancaster. May you be comforted by the love which you shared and by the beautiful life he lived. He is with Jesus now and eternally. Most sincerely, Dody
April 13, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Alex. May his memory be eternal. My name is Iris Bellman. I am the daughter of Maria Architas and the niece of George Architas. I know our families had a wonderful history together and I remember seeing Alex at church. My sincerest sympathy on your loss.
Iris Bellman
April 12, 2020
To the Zervanos Family ,Alex was bless to have lived a long life . May your memories of him help you as you grieve.
Kitty Garman
April 12, 2020
Wishing you peace and fond memories. May his memory be eternal.
Michael Kauffman
April 12, 2020
Nik and family, please accept my condolences on the loss of Nik’s brother. Like Nik, he was very accomplished and a very fine person. Bless you all in your grief.
Soren West
April 12, 2020
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Alex. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love, Rudy & Anita Rabeck
April 12, 2020
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My deepest condolences. Love, Kim
