Sam Marzavas was born on June 17, 1935, in Thisvi, Greece to Anthony Marzavas and Maria (Zacharias) Marzavas. He was the youngest of three children. He left Thisvi in his teens to go to Athens, Greece where he learned the trade of cabinet maker/finish carpenter. After serving in the Greek Army for two years, he returned to Athens and began working for a large furniture manufacturer, primarily building the prototypes for future furniture designs. He later opened his own business making custom furniture.
In 1964 he married Helen Stamatis, and they came to the United States in search of a better life settling in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Shortly thereafter he began working at the Wigand Corporation, an architectural millwork company. He began by doing any task assigned to him, learning English in his spare time. As a hard worker he showcased his talent and was quickly promoted, working as a millworker, installer and eventually foreman of the manufacturing plant.
In 1978 the Wigand Corporation relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sam took a risk and moved his family away from friends and relatives in Cleveland to remain with the company. He became part-owner and spent many years working on prestigious millwork projects throughout the country.
In 1991, Sam seized the opportunity and established his own business installing architectural woodwork and created Marzavas Installation Incorporated. Sam did projects for many architectural woodwork firms, including the Wigand Corporation and Stultz Manufacturing. He continued doing projects across the United States. He had great pride in his work and some of his favorite projects included working on the Continental and United Airlines lounges at the Denver International Airport and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California.
In his free time, Sam enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and being involved with Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church. He served on the Parish Council for a period of time and was always willing to use his woodworking skills to help his church, family, and friends with their construction projects.
Sam and Helen were married for 61 years and had three children. Sam is survived by his wife Helen; children: Anthony Marzavas, Tom Marzavas (Kim Marzavas), Mary Lang; grandchildren: Katherine Elizabeth Lang and Samuel Joseph Marzavas. He was preceded in death by Anthony Marzavas (father), Maria Marzavas (mother), Maria Stamatis (sister), Kostas (Gus) Marzavas (brother), Athanasios Stamatis (father-in-law), Stavroula Stamatis (mother-in-law), Alexander Stamatis (brother-in law), Keith Allan Lang (son-in-law), Demetrios Stamatis (brother-in-law), and Demetria (Toula) Marzavas (sister-in-law).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance. Funeral services will follow at the same location. Interment will be at 12:00 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery. Following the interment, friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon at Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center at 975 S. Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Memorial contributions in the name of Sam Marzavas may be made to Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 2215 Paseo Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80907. www.amgoc.org.
May Sam rest in peace….
Ο θεός να τον αναπαύσει
Helen, our prayers are with
you and all your family
Best wishes always,
Stella Brokalakis
Tony, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!! My condolences to you during this sad time, just remember all the good times and many great years you had your father in your life and I hope it can bring a smile to your face and some warmth to your heart at one of the most difficult times you will ever face!!!! God bless you and your family!! You know you can always reach out if there is anything at all I can help you with!! Glen Fillmore II
Tony and family – my sincere condolences for your loss.
Our very sincere and heartfelt condolences! Such a wonderful man and family loved by many! May Sam’s memory be eternal! May god bless all of you at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to my Nona and family. My Nono was an incredible person who brought so much joy to everyone he would meet. He truly will be missed! God bless all of you
Sending your family love, hugs, and prayers during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to each and every one of you. Remember the wonderful life your Dad lived and the memories and traditions he passed along to all of you.
Dear Helen and family, our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. My parents and family thought the world of Sam. He was a good man who showed his love for his family and his faith. Rest in peace Sam. Memory eternal!
Eileen and Dan Gonzales
I had the honor of knowing Sam for many years. May he rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the family.