He passed away yesterday, Thursday, May 21, on his name day, the distinguished surgeon Konstantinos Mariatos, casting a shadow of grief over the community of Kythira. As reported by the newspaper «Kythiraika», the deceased passed away at Evangelismos Hospital after a long battle with illness.
The funeral service for the final farewell will be held on Monday, May 25, at 12:30 p.m. at the Vyronas Cemetery.
Kostas Mariatos was not merely a scientist, but a man who inextricably linked his life and career to the island of Kythira, contributing both in the field of healthcare and in positions of public service.
From Kefalonia to Kythira: A Distinguished Academic Career
He was born in 1944 in Asprogerakas, Kefalonia. He completed his high school studies in 1962 at the 3rd High School of Patras and received his medical degree from the Medical School of the University of Athens in 1968. He served his country as a Reserve Officer (1969–1970), and in 1977, a landmark year for him, he was awarded a Ph.D. from the Medical School of the University of Athens, while also completing his residency in General Surgery. His scientific training was also reflected in the publication of twenty scientific papers in Greek and international medical journals.
The defining moment for our island came on 1985, when he was appointed Director of the National Health System at the General Prefectural Hospital – Health Center of Kythira, «Trifyllio.» He served there for many years as Director of Medical Services until his retirement, providing uninterrupted care to thousands of Kythirians.
Active participation in local community affairs
Kostas Mariatos did not limit his contributions solely to his medical duties, but also served the island through its institutions.
- From 2004 to 2007, he served as Chair of the Local Property Commission of Kythira and Antikythira, one of the island's most important institutions.
- Elected as a city council member in 2014 with the “ ”New Day,” led by Efstratios Charchalakis, he assumed critical responsibilities, serving as the coordinator for the municipality’s collaboration with the Local Property Authority and, of course, with the Kythira Hospital.
Kostas Mariatos chose to spend his retirement years living permanently in Agia Anastasia on Kythira, where he enjoyed being close to nature and engaged in farm work.
The void he leaves behind in the local community and among the island’s medical community is irreplaceable. His legacy, however, forged through his years of service at «Trifylleio» and in the community, will live on.
Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
