Stathes J. Kulukundis, one of the most blessed personalities of International Shipping was born in the USA in 1942. Came from a line of Kassiot** ship owners who owned ships from at least the 1830’s.
He was the second of the three sons of Michael E. Kulukundis, the youngest of the famous five Kulukundis Brothers, who established Rethymnis & Kulukundis Ltd (R&K) in London in 1922 with their close friends the Kassiot-Syriot Rethymnis Brothers and of his wife Fotini (Nitsa) nee Yannaghas.
Graduated from Blair Academy, New Jersey in 1960.*
He matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1965.
He subsequently joined the family firm, R&K, in London, operating from time to time bulk carriers, oil tankers and combination ore/oil carriers.
Served on the Board of Directors of many maritime bodies including :
Union of Greek Shipowners International Shipping Federation International Chamber of Shipping Baltic Exchange Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee for over four decades, reaching the post of Vice-Chairman and subsequently Honorary Vice-Chairman
Even though brought up and educated abroad, it was always noteworthy that he made every effort to speak Greek when he dealt with his compatriots. He was extremely helpful, cultured, approachable and with a wicked sense of dry humour.
He spent the last few years of his life in his beloved Syros which held so many wonderful memories of childhood summer vacations.
He is survived by his wife, Koula their two children, Marianna and Michael and his stepson Alexander.
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*Alumnus of the year 2010:
https://www.blair.edu/alumni/alumni-engagement/volunteer-recognition/alumnus-of-the-year
** from visiting his forefathers’ island Kassos in 1996 with other cousins/family members:
