Frank James Kotsianas

Frank James Kotsianas passed away peacefully on February 22, 2023. Our father and “Papou” was a force here on this earth and will most certainly be in Heaven too. He had a larger than life personality and made his presence known everywhere he went. He was loved and respected by many people and will be greatly missed. Frank James Kotsianas was born in Kalesmeno, Greece on June 26, 1927. His beloved grandfather, Father George Ligdis (an orthodox priest) taught him orthodox chanting where his love of music began. After the war in 1946, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and younger brother John. The family settled in Woodstock, Virginia where he attended military school. In 1948, he moved to Knoxville to join his older brother George and sister Eva. He served in the US Army for two years during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956. He graduated from Knoxville High School where he studied classical music under the direction of Mr. Edward Zambara. He was a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church where he served as a choir member, parish council member and chantor for 70 years. Frank was also a life- long member of the Evrytanian Association of America where he served as Vice-President. Frank was well known as one of Knoxville’s premier restaurateurs where he owned and operated Frank’s Brass Rail in 1956, Ivanhoe House of Beef in 1966 and Kotsi’s CharcoalGrill in 1986. Frank was an avid golfer, loved to cook and always enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frank is preceded in death by his parents, James and Konstando Kotsianas, brothers George Consin (Mary) and John Kotsianas (Christina “Pipi”) and sister Eva Caracostis (James). He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Helen Gallins Kotsianas, sons Dr. James Kotsianas (Fannie), John Kotsianas (Becky), and grandchildren Franklin (Emma), Matthew (Kiki), Dr. Sperry Wheeler (Dr. James), Ellie Christner (Aaron) and Katie Massey (Taylor), seven great grandchildren and many other nieces, nephews and extended family. Special thanks to Frank’s care giver Randa Halloun and the staff at Arbor Terrace for their compassion, love, and service. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 24th from 11:00-1:00 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church with a funeral service immediately following at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at held at Lynnhurst Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 25, 2023. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. George Church Memorial Fund, 4070 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.

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Frank James Kotsianas

June 26, 1927 - February 22, 2023