Fotios V. "Frank" Piskopanis

Fotios V. "Frank" Piskopanis, 82, of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2026. He was born on January 4, 1944, in Koulouka, Laconia (Sparti), Greece, to the late Vasilios and Areti Piskopanis.

At the age of 17, Fotios joined the Greek Army and proudly served his country during the Cypriot conflict. Following his military service, he immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s alongside his mother, brother, and sister in pursuit of the American dream. He went on to build a distinguished career at 3M in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, dedicating more than 35 years to the company before his retirement.

During a return visit to Greece in 1973, Fotios met the love of his life, Maria Begetis. The two fell in love, married, and returned to the United States to build their life and raise their family.

A former professional soccer player and national track-and-field champion, Fotios naturally turned his lifelong passion for athletics into a business. In 1989, he opened Atlas Sporting Goods in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, later relocating the store to 25 Bridge Street in Lowell in 2000. Even after retiring from 3M, Fotios continued working side by side with Maria at their shop, serving the local and the broader community. He also shared his passion and love for athletics as a longtime coach for travel and Lowell Youth soccer teams.

Fotios was deeply admired for his generosity, compassion, and willingness to help anyone in need. A devoted pillar of his heritage, he served as a longstanding leader within the Lowell Laconian community and represented the region on the national board for the Pan-Laconian Federation of the U.S. and Canada (King Leonidas Spartan Chapter) as Regional Vice President for New England alongside his wife. He also served as the president of the local chapter for many years.

Above all else, Fotios cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Maria (Begetis) Piskopanis; his three sons and their spouses, Vasilios and Lisa Piskopanis, Konstantinos and Karen Piskopanis, Nikolaos and Acelyn Piskopanis; and his five cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Kostas Piskopanis; his sister, Villy Piskopanis; and many extended family members and dear friends.

His deep faith, devotion to family, tireless work ethic, and warm spirit will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 9am to 11am at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 62 Lewis St., LOWELL followed by his Funeral Service at 11am. Interment in Westlawn I Cemetery, LOWELL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at holytrinitylowell.com