Paul J. Stamatos May 24, 1927- August 6, 2012 Paul, the "Golden Greek" Stamatos, a legendary food broker, generous husband, father, grandfather and the friend you always wanted by your side, died peacefully in his sleep on August 6th after a short battle with cancer. At the age of eight, Paul began work at his parents' grocery store in Boston's South End, the launching pad for a successful career in the food marketing business. He graduated from Boston Latin School and then served as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Forces. Upon his return from service, he earned an undergraduate business degree from Boston College. In 1955, he founded his own brokerage firm with a few small lines, out of which he grew Food Associates International, one of New England's most successful brokerage operations. Paul's tireless work ethic, sales acumen and knack for building lasting strategic relationships served him well. He represented top manufacturers selling to every major chain store and wholesaler in New England. Paul was responsible for taking small start-up companies, such as Near East Rice Pilaf, Ellio's Pizza, and Penobscot Frozen Foods and helping them become industry leaders. He also introduced Fuji Film, Slim Fast and St. Ives Shampoo to the New England market. He sold his business in 1984 and served as a consultant to the trade, as well as a master broker working through a network of national brokers. Recently, Paul remained active calling on the Demoulas Market Basket chain where he represented several national brands. Paul was active in numerous civic and charitable organizations. He was a 62-year Master Mason of the Cosmopolitan Lodge of Massachusetts, including affiliate memberships in the Mt. Vernon Royal Arch Chapter, Boston Commandery, Shriners International, The Massachusetts Lodge and the Hellenic Square & Compass Club. He was an American Legion Life Member, an instrumental leader in the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), and a strong advocate for the Hellenic Women's Benevolent Association. Paul served as president of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England in the mid 1980s. Paul loved people and his generosity touched many, often quietly. Whether handing out money to his grandchildren at family visits, taking the time to make someone laugh or steering people to view the glass as always half full, Paul's enthusiasm, energy and good nature were infectious. Paul lived life fully in the moment. He tackled challenges head-on, putting them behind him and looking toward the future with optimism. He rarely complained and even in deteriorating health, Paul kept his family and friends smiling with his sharp wit and confident demeanor. Until the end, Paul's smile shined on those he loved. He had no regrets living life his own way. In fact, when confronted with the news of his terminal illness, Paul told his doctor, "It's OK. If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would do it exactly the same way." Aside from his wife of 45 years, Toni, Paul is survived by his son James P. Stamatos and his wife Josefina and Stephanie Stamatos and her husband Matthew Krepps. Paul adored his three grandchildren, Zachary and Marcus Stamatos and Taylor Krepps, and showered them with everlasting laughter and love. Brother of Pauline Kaune and the late Georgia Karalekas, Paul is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 10, 2012 at 10am in the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, 514 Parker St., Boston, MA. Visiting hours on Thursday, August 9, 2012 are from 4pm to 8pm at the Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul's memory may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, Restoration Fund, 136 Goddard Ave., Brookline, MA 02445, or to the Hellenic Cardiac Fund for Children, c/o Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Burial services at Forest Hills Cemetery.