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Emmanuel Caravanos, former president of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, Passes Away

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The Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce acknowledges with sadness the passing of its esteemed and beloved former president, Mr. Emmanuel J. Caravanos at age 92. Mr. Caravanos served as president of the Chamber in the mid 1990's, and was a bridge between the 'old guard' and the up-and-coming younger members of the Chamber at that time. His passing marks the end of an era for the Chamber, which was founded after World War II by shipping executives to retain a commercial bond with their homeland.

Mr. Caravanos worked as an executive with Atlantic Steamers Supply Co. of New Jersey, a ship chandlery firm, providing necessary supplies to motor vessels calling in the New York area. For the Chamber, he was a dedicated member of the Board of Directors, remaining active long after his term as president ended. He was the historian of the Chamber, acting as the human repository of much historical data about the formation and evolution of the Chamber over its 69 year history. For many years, Mr. Caravanos also managed the George Athans Scholarship, awarded by the Chamber to worthy students of Greek American descent, studying at New York University. In tribute to his service, Mr. Caravanos was named "Honorary Chairman" of the Chamber, as position that he held at his death.

The Chamber's President Nancy Papaioannou, speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors, said she was "deeply saddened by the passing of this giant of the Chamber, who will be terribly missed by all of us at the Chamber. We are comforted knowing that he leaves behind an important legacy of devotion and determination to succeed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his loving family."

Mr. Caravanos was married to Agatha, who died in 2006. He is survived by their daughter, Mary Ann and two grandsons.