Arthur J. Zetes

   Arthur John Zetes, 101, of Bedford passed away on September 28, 2023.

   He was born on February 25, 1922 to John and Kierakoula Zetes in Lynn, MA.

   Arthur was proud of his Greek heritage and greeted friends and family with a joyful “kalimera!” He attended Boston Public Schools and helped his father run a local movie theater during the Great Depression.

   Arthur was the oldest of four siblings. His sister, Mary Zetes of Dedham, MA, late sister, Frances Harwood and late brother, Peter Zetes of Norwood, MA loved to call Arthur a “troublemaker.” They bantered at the table at Thanksgivings and Easters, well into their 90s. 

   For 54 years, Arthur was a loving and devoted husband to Lillian M. Zetes, who passed in May 1997.

   Arthur served in the U.S. Army in World War II, earning his combat infantry badge, three bronze stars and a good conduct medal while in France, Austria and Germany. He was a long-time member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and eagerly marched in local parades. After the war, Arthur took night classes at MIT on the G.I. Bill and earned his degree in engineering.

   Arthur had a long career in manufacturing and management in the electronics field and played an important role in the early days of the semiconductor industry. He traveled all over the U.S., Europe and Asia, bringing his wife Lillian with him whenever he could.

   Arthur’s “fix it” attitude defined his professional and personal life. He could often be found replacing the wiring, tinkering with appliances in his basement and mowing his lawn or blowing snow well into his final decade.

   Arthur was preceded in death by his son, John A. Zetes of Virginia Beach, VA. He is survived by his two daughters, Kathleen Zetes of San Francisco, CA and Mary Ann Zetes of Menlo Park, CA; his son-in-law, Peter Mazonson; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

   As “Grampy,” Arthur always asked, “What can I do for you?” and eagerly spent time with family and friends in California and New England. He willingly helped grandkids with school projects and proudly cooked Greek stifado for dinner. Arthur was a man of both deep faith and community, gathering weekly at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, enjoying lunches at the Backroom with dear friends and sharing a drink with devoted neighbors. He was much loved and will be missed by all.

   SERVICES: A visitation will take place on Friday (10/6) from 9 to 10 a.m., followed immediately at 10 a.m. by a funeral ceremony, all at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 650 Hanover St., Manchester.  Committal prayers will follow at Bedford Center Cemetery, Church Road, Bedford.

   In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.

   Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting the family with arrangements.