Paul Harry Thoutsis of Worcester and Oak Bluffs died peacefully at home on April 13 with the people he cherished most in life — his family — close by his side. He was 85.

The youngest of five children, he was born in Worcester on May 27, 1937, the son of Harry and Helen Liazos Thoutsis. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Timotheos and William Thoutsis and his sister Mabel Valentgas.

He attended Commerce High School in Worcester, excelling in baseball and basketball, and playing for a number of school and church teams. He was especially proud to have been in the starting line-ups of three championship basketball squads in the same season: the YMCA Community League (the Jets team), the Inter-High Freshman Loop (Grafton Street Junior High), and the Y Church League (St. Spyridon Church).

Paul worked several jobs throughout his life, starting from the age of 10 when he shined shoes at Union Station in Worcester. He later owned and operated Mike’s Market on Lamartine street and Shop 29, a sandwich shop on Pearl street.

His lifelong love of feeding people continued as he worked at multiple area restaurants, including Holden Pizza in Holden and the Eden, Shorah’s and Viva Bene in Worcester. He also worked as a clerk at Central Shoe Repair, where he loved being in the bustle of downtown Worcester, meeting people, telling stories and talking politics.

His dual love of sports and his children collided when his son started playing baseball professionally. Paul Sr. went from being in the dugout as his son’s coach to being in the stands as his son’s biggest fan. He traveled to games near and far to see Paul Jr. play. Along the way he got to meet and become friends with Ted Williams, his favorite player and idol.

Though he was a Worcester man to the core, a big part of him was on Martha’s Vineyard, which he visited for the first time when he was 15 with his good friend and future brother in law, John Petropoulos. Trips to the Island continued when he married the love of his life, Georgia. They spent as much time as they could in Oak Bluffs, on the porch, at the beach, strolling around town, or visiting with family.

The memories continued once they became grandparents, a role he enjoyed with enormous pride. It was not uncommon to see Papou Paul and Yiayia Georgia with Alana and Paulie at the Flying Horses or enjoying ice cream on Circuit avenue. Back in Worcester, as the grandkids got older, Paul could be found cheering them on at their games, preparing family dinners with Georgia and reminiscing about the good old days. Or, he might be hanging out with his daughter’s dog Lola, who he spoiled just a little bit; they were the best of friends.

Paul is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Georgia Petropoulos Thoutsis; son Paul Thoutsis Jr. of Oak Bluffs; daughter Lana Saucier and her husband Paul Saucier Sr.; adoring grandchildren Alana Saucier and Paul Saucier Jr., all of Worcester; brother Nicholas Thoutsis and his wife Joanne of Worcester; sister in law Carole Thoutsis of Dennis; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

He will be remembered by one and all as a fun-loving family man whose greatest joy was in telling stories and making people laugh. His fondest memories were of hosting and attending large family gatherings, with great food in abundance, and sharing many laughs. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services were held April 20 at Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester. He was interred privately at Oak Grove Cemetery in Oak Bluffs.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, or the Massachusetts and New Hampshire chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.