Antonia Poulos

Antonia Poulos

June 22, 1937 - January 7, 2025

Antonia “Toni” Poulos was born on June 22, 1937 in Southampton, New York to Greek immigrants Peter and Alice (Zaharakos) Drivas. She was raised in Center Moriches, where she spent countless childhood afternoons behind the counter at her father’s luncheonette, Pete's Candy Kitchen, enjoying homemade chocolates, ice cream and the warmth of a close-knit community. Toni graduated from Center Moriches High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Oneonta College. To help support her studies, Toni worked at Camp Pa Qua Tuck in Center Moriches during the summer as a camp counselor for children with special needs. Her summers spent at the camp had a profound impact on her, solidifying her desire to become an educator and shaping her lifelong commitment to standing up for those in need.

On July 2, 1961, Toni married the love of her life, John Poulos. They settled in Patchogue, New York where they built a life full of love, laughter, purpose and community. They raised their children, formed lifelong friendships and owned and operated Montauk Drugs located on the iconic four corners in downtown Patchogue. Toni poured her energy into creating a joyful, welcoming home and an active social life. She was an avid tennis, bridge and mahjong player. She served on the board of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church in Blue Point and was a dedicated member of both Philoptochos and the Daughters of Penelope, two Greek women’s philanthropic organizations.

In her 40's, Toni continued her academic pursuits at Stony Brook University, where she earned two master’s degrees - one in Creative Writing and the other in Literature - both awarded with honors. She went on to build a devoted career as an elementary school teacher. She began her teaching career in kindergarten at the South Haven School in Brookhaven Hamlet and later taught kindergarten and first grade in the Patchogue-Medford School District, where she devoted over 25 years of service. Teaching was Toni’s passion. She inspired and encouraged countless young students, many of whom stayed in touch with her for decades beyond their time in her classroom.

After raising their family in East Patchogue, Toni and John moved to Eastport, New York. For the last twenty years, she was a proud and devoted member of Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons.

Toni is survived by her children, William Poulos and his wife Sally, Peter Poulos and his husband Mark and Maria Poulos Sonatore and her husband David; her grandchildren, Sophia, Jack, Luke, Cali, and Mihail; her niece Cynthia Drivas and her wife Donna Smith; her nephew Peter Drivas and his wife Renee; her godchildren Jamie Kaiser and Paris Arianas; and her devoted partner, John Pinello. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John, her brother George, and her goddaughter, Victoria Couluris Georgakopoulos.

The family asks that contributions be made to Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in her memory.

https://dormitionhamptons.org/