Catherine Stephano Lagakos

Catherine Stephano Lagakos Philanthopist

Catherine Stephano was a first generation American, born in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Her father was Stephen X. Stephano, co-founder of Stephano Brothers Cigarettes of Philadelphia. He was originally from Kastania, Greece. Her mother was Penelope Pampou from Ioannina, Greece.

“Tinka”, as she becomes known, pursued art, voice, and music. For years, she worked avidly for the Greek War Relief. Once married to Gregory George Lagakos, Esquire, she continued her social and philanthropic charitable work with the Nationalities Service Center’s Folk Fair, Lankenau School, and the Scheie Eye Institute. In 1965, Gregory became a judge, the first Greek American to join the Philadelphia Common Pleas Court. In 1984, at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, a memorial scholarship in honor of Judge Gregory G. Lagakos and Catherine S. Lagakos began to award scholarships to students of Greek American Descent.

They had one daughter, Penelope.