The Yiantsos Family: Connected to Their Roots

This month we are pleased to introduce you to the Yiantsos family: Kosmas, Dia and their children, Lina and Yianni. The Yiantsos’ call themselves a typical busy and fun-filled Greek family. They’re welcoming and full of love.

First-generation Greek-Americans, Kosmas and Dia credit their parents for the sacrifices they made so they could be where they are today. Dia’s parents, George and Mary Karamitopoulos, moved to the United States when they were a young couple. George grew up in Macedonia, Greece and before coming to the US, he owned an iron factory, where he created beautiful structures throughout Greece. “My dad could definitely write a book!” said Dia. Mary, who is from a small town named Anatoli located on Mount Kissavos in Thessaly, Greece, studied education and worked as an English teacher before they came to America.

George and Mary settled in Upper Darby in the 1970s with Dia’s older brother Greg and sister Kiki eventually moving to Broomall. Here in the US, George ran a commercial and residential construction company called G&M Efestos while Mary worked as a secretary and a teacher at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby.

Dia was born several years after her siblings and is named after her grandmother, Arhodia. Her middle name, Katerina, is for St. Katerina, who Greeks celebrate on November 25th, Dia’s birthday. After attending Bywood Elementary School in Upper Darby, Dia went on to Paxon Hollow Middle School, and eventually graduated from Marple Newtown High School.

As a young girl, Dia was very active in the St. Demetrios church community. She performed with various dance groups, including the church’s Pegusus dancers, and the Pan Macedonian Society’s young adult group. This is a group that is special to both Dia and Kosmas because they have been members since their teen years. The organization preserves and promotes the heritage and traditions of Greek Macedonia, very near and dear to them both.

After high school, Dia followed her passion and studied aesthetics at Jean Madeline, where she graduated at the top of her class. Her first job in the industry was with MAC cosmetics which led her to many exciting opportunities such as New York Fashion Week for Lady Gaga’s designer and Adolfo Sanchez, a designer of red carpet gowns as well as South Asian New York Fashion Week.

Today, Dia is the owner and makeup artist of Kalloni By Arhodia. Dia credits her mom for helping her come up with the name Kalloni, which means “beauty” in Greek. Sharing her passion for beauty with a variety of clients, she hosts them in her studio or travels to meet them on location.“Whether I’m doing makeup for a bridal party or for a celebrity on the set of a movie or TV show, I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment for my clients. I want them to feel comfortable knowing they’re in good hands.”

Over the years, Dia has also showcased her make up on runways in Philadelphia, worked as the “how-to” makeup host with Simon Cowell’s family and worked with a member of Real Housewives of Atlanta. You may have seen her work on Steven Singer’s online catalog, as well as CNN, as she recently began working for the network. Voted one of the top Makeup Artists in Philadelphia, Dia has also been featured on the cover of Suburban Life magazine and is a partner with Philadelphia Style magazine where she was recognized as a Dynamic Woman in 2022. “Makeup is my passion,” she said. “I love what I do and the way my work influences others to truly bring out their inner Kalloni.”

Dia’s husband Kosmas was born in Philadelphia. In the 1970s, his dad immigrated from Macedonia, Greece to the United States where he graduated from Olney High School while working as a busboy. He then returned to Greece in 1980 to marry Kosmas’ mother, Ekaterini, and brought her to America with him to start a family and live the American dream. Upon his return, the family began a donut business, which has been around for 40 years with multiple locations in the tri-state region named “Jack’s Donuts.” Although Kosmas was too young to work in the shop, he reaped the benefits of being a “taste tester and quality control inspector.” One of four children, his family eventually moved to Cheltenham, where he attended Cheltenham Elementary, and later Cheltenham High School. During high school, he worked in the family business and played soccer, football, participated in the bowling club and future business leaders of America.

Growing up, Kosmas was always interested in building electronics and robotics. “I would always take things apart and put them back together.” His interests led him to study engineering at Temple University where in his first year he was given the opportunity by the Dean of engineering to teach a class. “I had already taken a robotics class before college,” explained Kosmas. “It was an interesting experience getting to see it from the perspective of a teacher.”

Kosmas earned a degree in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science and later received a masters degree from Villanova University in engineering power systems. Today he is an electrical engineer for the US Navy, where he works on board naval ships and tests large naval power and propulsion systems. “It’s a humbling feeling to be able to work alongside our sailors as they learn these advanced systems.” Not only does Kosmas love what he does, he is proud to support the Navy and protect our country.

Kosmas enjoys traveling, whether it be for work or personal. When home, Kosmas enjoys making wine and spending time with his family. He hopes to one day pass along these experiences and stories to his children and grandchildren.

Dia and Kosmas met in the early 2000s and started dating in the summer of 2005. When Kosmas was ready to ask Dia to marry him, he had a great idea to propose at Linvilla Orchards. “I wanted to take Dia there to cut down our first Christmas tree together and surprise her with the proposal,” recalled Kosmas. “The problem was it was mid November, which I thought was way too early for a tree,” Dia added jokingly. “I even called my
mom to tell her I thought it was strange. I should have known she was in on it when she said, “Oh no, it’s a great time to get a tree!”

The couple married at Saint Demetrios, followed by a reception at The Merion, in Cinnaminson, NJ, with over 300 people. “It was a big, fat Greek wedding for sure!” Kosmas said. “The best part was many friends and family joined us throughout the week before the wedding and we incorporated many Greek customs and traditions.”

In their early married life, Kosmas and Dia lived in South Philadelphia where Kosmas already owned a home. They eventually moved to Broomall when their daughter Lina was a few months old, first living with Dia’s parents before building their own home here. “It was so wonderful to have the help and support of our families,” said Dia.

The Yiantsos family moved into their forever home in 2022 and love the people here, the walkability of their neighborhood and the Russell Elementary School community where Dia serves on the PTO. They are also active in the Pan Macedonian Association of Philadelphia, and in their Saint Demetrios community, where their children attend Sunday school and Greek school.

Kosmas and Dia’s daughter Lina Valentina is now in third grade at Russell. Dia said they see a lot of Kosmas’ grandmother in her. “She’s petite and super driven. I see her as a go-getter!” Lina loves to motivate others and is always there to help take care of someone when they’re not feeling well. “I call her little mommy,” she added. Right now Lina is into soccer, basketball and guitar and hopes to be an organizer one day.

Ioannis Georgios (Yianni), named after both grandfathers, is Lina’s younger brother. A kindergartener at Russell, Yianni loves playing Roblox and building things. His parents say he’s a jokester who makes them laugh and keeps them on their toes. “We posted a funny video of him when the Eagles were in the Super Bowl in 2023, and it even caught the attention of one of the players before the game,” Kosmas said.

Life for the Yiantsos family is full of friends, family and celebrations of their faith and Greek culture. “Everything we have is because of the sacrifices our parents made,” said Dia. “We are forever grateful to them for giving us the blueprint on how to survive and thrive!”

Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.