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DECEASED FHHS TEACHER:
CONSTANTINE PETER VRETOS
"Dino" (Age 79) (1939 - 2019)
Teacher - Counselor - Coach
Constantine Vretos died suddenly May 4, 2019 from heart failure while at the Inova Alexandria Hospital. Dino was born in Newport News, Virginia on June 17, 1939 to Mary and Peter Vretos. His father and grandparents were Greek immigrants from Sparta. Dino was a proud member of the Newport News High School Typhoons' Class of 1957, Randolph-Macon College Class of 1961, and the William and Mary Graduate School of Education.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Dino taught for 35 years in the Fairfax County Schools (Ft. Hunt High School and Lee High School). Above all, he loved being the father of two daughters and grandfather of three. Dino could accomplish anything he set his mind to: star high school and college football player, talented baritone singer in many choirs, inspiring biology teacher, and a committed and caring counselor of teens. He was an avid golfer, tennis player and cook.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Linda; daughters, Victoria (Kyle) Opel, and Joanna; grandchildren Emma, Alexander and Natalie, two sisters and four sisters-in-law, a brother and three brothers-in-law, and nine nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 15, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Springfield, Virginia. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Chancel Choir at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia, 22150 or to the Foundation for Fairfax County Public School's Kids in Needs Fund, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 5101, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
- Published in The Washington Post on May 12, 2019
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Neil Robinson (1967)
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of Dino's passing and cherish the memories I have of him. He was a giant at FHHS and touched many lives. He will be missed. Judy and I will attend his celebration of life. Sending you and your family condolences, love and prayers.
Suzanne Hannay (English) (Most Popular Teacher 1973)
I am so very sorry to learn of the death of Constantine Vretos. I have only the fondest memories of this kind, gentle man who welcomed me to the world of high school teaching at Fort Hunt in the late summer of 1968. I knew nothing, though I thought I knew everything. He took me under his wing and kept me from doing damage to myself and my students. He made me laugh--mostly at myself. When I signed on to the Fort Hunt High School Association website, Dino was the first person I heard from. I will never forget him. I am so happy to learn that he married and had two daughters. How lucky for all of you to have kept him close for all these years.
I send my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Suzanne Hannay
Heath, Massachusetts
Joe Gililland (1973)
Hi Joe,
Mr. Vretos, a FHHS biology teacher and wonderful man, passed away 5-4-19. Mr. Vretos attended some of our reunions at Fort Hunt Park and elsewhere. For some reason he loved our class, showed us pictures from a field trip we had all taken to the zoo.
Mr. Vretos said he was especially fond of our class, he loved teaching. Last time I saw Mr. Vretos he was so very sad at Harriet’s Singleton's Fairfax Memorial service. Said he and his wife retired and lived near a school and he loved to hear the kids laughing and playing at recess. Special guy! Thought you might post this obit.
Sincerely,
Kaye
- Email Submitted by Kaye Kosciusko Titerance ('71) on June 9, 2019 and posted by Joe Gililland
Timothy Barr (Assistant Principal)
I attended the Celebration of Life Service on 6/15/19. It was well-attended and many good things were said about Dino. He was loved and respected, and will be missed.