Karamanolis Bequest Funds Greater Lowell Technical High School and LHS Greek Heritage Scholarship
Lowell, MA – The Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship Fund, recently established through a generous six-figure bequest administered by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, commemorates the life of Demetrios Karamanolis who immigrated to America in 1960, married his wife Sofia Masias and together they raised their daughter, Maria. He forged a path “from factories to labs where his precise, detail-oriented mind and expert dexterity served him well,” recalled Maria Kontoulis Recco, his niece and a retired laboratory scientist.
In 1969, Demetrios, affectionately known as “Jimmy,” brought his family — including his mother, three siblings, their spouses, and their 11 children — from Greece to Lowell. He emphasized to the children the importance of education, hard work, and opportunities not as readily available in their family’s agricultural life in Greece, where they harvested olives, figs, and grapes. All the children went on to become college graduates or successful business owners.
Despite his modest stature, Jimmy was renowned for his quick wit, keen intellect, appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, and passion for antique collecting and gardening. He was also celebrated for his generosity and community spirit, exemplified by an additional bequest to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Dracut to aid in paying its mortgage.
Recco shared the words of encouragement or wisdom might Jimmy share with the scholarship recipient receiving his award, “Remember your family and your roots, work hard and give back to society.”
Jimmy was a lifelong learner who cherished his Greek American community and valued education, though he never had the opportunity to pursue further studies himself. This scholarship fund honors his commitment to supporting education, preserving cultural heritage, and acknowledging academic achievement. His legacy, and the enduring impact of his values, lives on through the Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship Fund, connecting us all in a shared legacy.
“GLCF is honored to be able to facilitate the Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship Fund,” shared Jay Linnehan, GLCF President and CEO. “Connecting donors to community causes they care about or ways to honor their loved ones is at the heart of our work.”
The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) provides opportunities for you to create a fund and establish a lasting charitable legacy. To learn more about these empowering opportunities at GLCF, contact Jay Linnehan or to learn more about creating your own LHS Legacy Scholarship, contact Barbara Dunsford at 978-970-1600 or info@glcfoundation.org.
About Greater Lowell Community Foundation –Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 450 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of nearly $65 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $40 million to the Greater Lowell community.
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CAPTION: Photo of Demetrios “Jimmy” Karamanolis. The Demetrios P. Karamanolis Scholarship Fund, recently established through a generous six-figure bequest administered by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, commemorates the life of Demetrios Karamanolis.
