Arthur Panousis

Arthur Panousis, Monday, September 21, 2015, the music came to a sad ending for the music man of Petersburg. He was superbly talented and was widely known throughout Virginia as simply “Art”.
He was born in the nationally known city of Brooklyn, N.Y. on September 29,1932 in the Coney Island Hospital. He was the youngest of four children born to Marie and Peter Panousis and he was christened “Arthur” and has been known by all of his friends and family up in New York as such, and ever since. He grew up in Brooklyn in a strong, proud and very disciplined Greek heritage environment which greatly influenced his formative life development. The early years came at the time of the “Great American Depression”. He was forced early on in life to deal with great economic struggles and adversities. However, all the of this contributed to the strong and disciplined musician and adult that he later became.
At the early age of five he displayed a natural talent and gift for music, which was soon acknowledged by his family and friends. His entire family immediately sacrificed and struggled to give him music lessons during those difficult times. His mother’s strong support made him excel musically.
By the age of six he played the piano at Carnegie Hall in New York City. At the age of fourteen he had another memorable performance for the King and Queen of Greece at Carnegie Hall. His natural talent was further enhanced by various private music lessons taken throughout his young adult years. This was followed by attaining musical scholarships to the famous Julliard School of Music in New York City.
Later on, he attended for four years the music school at Indiana University. Upon graduating he went to serve in the U.S. Army which brought him to the Fort Lee Army Base in Virginia in 1953 where he became Lieutenant. While here his musical talent quickly opened other doors for him.
When he finished his required time he was soon given a civilian position to work at Fort Lee Army Base. His great work ethic and musical talent allowed him to obtain the highest civilian rank. He became the “Director of the Community Recreation Division” which included music, theater, library, bowling alley, golf course, outdoor recreation, the sports branch and the gymnasium. He also became the U.S. World Wide Entertainment Competitions Coordinator.
In 1955 he met the love of his life, the beautiful Geraldine “Geri” Burnett. She fell in love at first sight with the handsome and musically talented “Art”. They were married in 1956 and enjoyed a beautiful and blissful life together. They did not have any children, however they bonded together with their great love of music.
During all of their married years he juggled a second career.. He followed his passion for music with his music quartet. For many years he was in the public eye. He entertained at many social functions throughout Virginia. He performed on the iconic show “The Ed Sullivan TV Show”, the Cerebral Palsy fund raising TV show, the Broadway Producers Benefits celebration on Broadway, at the National Theatre in Washington D.C. as well as the Kennedy Center also in Washington D.C..
In 1984 at the age of 52, tragedy struck his bride of 28 years with ovarian cancer. This was a devastating blow which he never fully got over. He described their years together as truly “Camelot” and he never did find any subsequent love such as this.
Throughout his life he was positive, energetic, fun, loving and a caring person. He accomplished a great deal and achieved much success but he never lost his genuine sense of humility. He was a very giving person. He shared his good blessins and love with all his family and friends unconditionally. He was a role model and mentor to many. He was an impeccable dresser and surrounded his entire life with constant beauty. Although he was born in New York he truly became the symbolic “Gentleman of Virginia”. We will miss him dearly but his persona and wonderful aura will be everlasting.
He leaves behind his loving brother Anthony and loving sister in law Helen residing in Del Ray Beach, Florida along with loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews residing in Florida, New York and North Carolina.
There will be no viewing or wake service and he will be cremated per his wishes. His cremated remains will be brought up to New York next week for his family and friends located in New York City for a Memorial Service. At a later date there will be a graveside service at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA. His eternal resting place will be beside his beloved wife. The service will be conducted by the Petersburg Chapel of J. T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home. It is suggested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cancer Society of Virginia, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis TN 38148. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com