Gus Alexiou, 94, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Born May 18, 1930, in Manhattan, NY, he was the son of the late John and Efstratia Mbakalatzis Alexiou. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Diana M. Campas Alexiou, in 2023, and by his son, John Alexiou.
A proud member of the “Greatest Generation,” Gus served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He served aboard the USS James C. Owens (DD-776) and the USS English (DD-696), where he saw combat and earned several military honors, including the Korean Service Medal with one star, the Korean Service Medal with one silver and one bronze star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
After returning home, Gus dedicated his life to public service. He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1954 and served for 36 years, retiring in 1990 at the rank of Corporal. He then continued his service with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff from 1990 to 2005. Gus was the longest-tenured member of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, and also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and two-term President of the Fraternal Order of Police Keystone Lodge No. 41.
Gus was a life member of VFW Post 1599, American Legion Post 46, and AmVets, and remained actively involved in the Pennsylvania State Police community throughout his retirement. He and Diana were known for their generosity, their annual open-house Christmas parties, and milestone celebrations filled with music, laughter, and friends. Every Friday night Gus and Diana could be found at the VFW having dinner at their special table and dancing to the band.
Gus loved a good polka, a glass of wine, playing cards especially pinochle with special friends David Elliott and Thomas Vaccaro and most of all—his family. He and Diana raised three children and built a home that was always warm and welcoming. He supported his children in sports and life, always showing up with quiet strength and steady encouragement. He never needed to say much—his actions always spoke louder than words.
He is survived by two children, James Alexiou (Sharon) of Leesburg, VA, and Ann Ashburn (Brad) of Waynesboro, PA; nine grandchildren, Mitchell Ashburn (Julia Rodriguez), Kristina Ashburn (Brandon Shaffer), Paul Alexiou (Abbye Tucker), Sarah Alexiou, Rachel Alexiou, Miriam Alexiou, Christopher Alexiou, Natasha Alexiou, and Brandon Rudy; and his sister, Stella Deakos of Woodbridge, VA.
In addition to his wife and son, he was preceded in death by his siblings, George Alexiou and Mary Alexiou.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Fr. Michael Varvarelis will officiate.
Interment will follow in Lincoln Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, Troopers Helping Troopers, online here.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gus Alexiou, please visit the flower store.
