Duggan's | Obituaries List

Aris Chris Mentis passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on August 10, 1947, in Muncie, Indiana, he was the oldest son of Chris and Alice (Tsirlis) Mentis.

Aris was sweet, unassuming, and warm in every way, with an infectious smile and a laugh that came easiest at his own jokes. He was genuine, generous, and at home wherever life took him.

He fell in love with Greece at 18 and returned to it throughout his life. While studying at Ball State University, he took part in an archaeological dig at an ancient monastery in a small Greek village, which became the subject of his Master’s thesis. Countless trips to Greece followed over the years — with his parents, his brother John, and at times his sister Dena.

Aris had a varied and adventurous career, from teaching high school in Indiana to selling pianos at Sherman Clay in San Francisco to working for many years as a travel agent, where he was known for going the extra mile for his clients.

An active and beloved member of his community, Aris sang as a member of the original Dorian Singers, volunteered in the kitchen at the yearly Greek festivals, and loved being involved with summer camp. He never married or had children, but he lived his life to the fullest, surrounded by family, music, laughter, and travel.

Aris is survived by his brother, John Mentis of Larkspur, California; his sister, Dena Kouremetis, and brother-in-law, George Kouremetis, Jr., of Folsom, California; and his niece, Sophia Amoruso of London, England. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Alice Mentis. He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his big grin, his quick wit, and his kind word for everyone — and deeply missed by his family, his church community, and all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Trisagion Service on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 245 Valencia Street, San Francisco. A Funeral Service will follow on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Father Constantine Economos, immediately followed by a Makaria luncheon and burial at the Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in Colma.