Dr. Kimon John Constas

Obituary for Dr. Kimon John Constas February 19, 1937 – July 1, 2025

Dr. Kimon John Constas, age 88, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Whiteville, NC. Born in Athens, Greece, on February 19, 1937, he lived a life devoted to scholarship, family, and service to his community.

A gifted academic, Dr. Constas came to the United States in the early 1960s after receiving the prestigious Ford Foundation Scholarship—a rare honor awarded to only two Greek scholars annually—to pursue higher education and contribute to society through academic and public service. He earned degrees from Brown University and completed his Ph.D. at Binghamton University.

Dr. Constas began his teaching career at the University of Puerto Rico (1974–1978), where he also conducted research. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Maria Velazquez Constas. Though his original dream was to return to Greece and give back by teaching in his homeland, life had different plans. After marrying and starting a family, he made the heartfelt decision to remain in the United States—sacrificing his personal aspirations to provide greater opportunities for his wife and children. This selfless choice defined the depth of his character and unwavering commitment to his family.

He went on to serve as an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut (1979–1981), and then spent nearly three decades at Fayetteville State University (1981–2010), where he became a cornerstone of the institution’s business department. A respected scholar in business statistics and economics, Dr. Constas published dozens of journal articles and led impactful research initiatives—including highway development surveys for the U.S. Department of Transportation. He also received accommodations from Harvard University in recognition of his academic contributions.

Beyond his university work, Dr. Constas consulted for numerous colleges and government agencies, merging academic insight with practical application. A proud member of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), he was passionate about empowering the next generation. His work with AHEPA focused on funding scholarships for rising high school students, continuing his lifelong commitment to education.

He is survived by his three children:

• Efstratios Constas and wife, Yuko, of Burke, VA

• Alexander Constas and wife, Shirley, of Fayetteville, NC

• Helen Michaud and husband, Brett.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Fayetteville. The family will accept visitors before the service starting at 10:00 a.m. Following services at the church, burial will be located at Cross Creek Cemetery followed by a memorial dinner back at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in his memory be made to the AHEPA Scholarship Fund, 614 Oakridge Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28305, to carry forward his enduring legacy of educational opportunity.

Dr. Kimon Constas will be remembered not only for his remarkable intellect and academic achievements, but also for the love, sacrifices, and steadfast devotion he showed to his family. His life was an example of dignity, purpose, and enduring generosity.