Bella Elaine Kontinos' Obituary
Bella Elaine Kontinos, 98, of Fort Myers, FL passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025. Bella was born January 25, 1927, to Arthur and Elaine Leanos in Woburn, Massachusetts. Born during the depression to Greek immigrants, after working for the Army as a quartermaster, she pursued her business degree, married her longtime husband and they started the Coconut Grove Restaurant on Sanibel Island. Throughout her life, she was extremely involved with philanthropic work.
Bella worked in the Quartermaster Corps for the US Department of the Army, then in the Mortgage Department for Provident Savings Institution in Boston, and was the owner of the Coconut Grove Restaurant for 38 years. She graduated from Woburn High School, then from Fay Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Bella loved communing with nature and the beach finding God’s solace. Later in life, she became involved with the butterfly garden at her residence which brought her great happiness. She was a great conversationalist who brought joy to many she crossed paths with. She also maintained strong community bonds and humanitarian efforts. The organizations she supported included Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, Ladies Philoptochos Society, Florida Cystic Fibrosis Inc., Children’s Hospital Healthpark, Coastal University, Lee Alliance of the Arts, America Business Women’s Association, Zonta International, Ft. Myers Women’s Community Club, Ft. Myers Community Symphony, and Metropolitan of Atlanta Philoptochos.
Bella was married to Archon John K. Kontinos in 1955 and remained together until his passing in 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughters Anne Evangeline Kontinos and Ilena Katherine Kontinos. She is survived by her son Thomas Charles Kontinos; grandchildren Athanasia Anne Kontinos and partner Matthew Johnson, Anne Evangeline Accardi, John David Kontinos, John James Accardi and James Samuel Accardi II and wife McKenzie Accardi; great-grandchildren James Samuel Accardi III and Daniel Lee Accardi; and many nieces and nephews.
Bella's family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with the tender care of her final arrangements. There will be a visitation for Bella at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 8210 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919 on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11am with her service beginning at 12pm. She will be laid to rest at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens immediately after her service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Florida Cystic Fibrosis Inc. at 3201 W Commercial Blvd, Ste#237, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
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