Speech written and delivered by Penny Panayiota Deligiannis during the City of Aurora, Street Dedication Ceremony for James and Dena Deligiannis held September 10.
By Penny Deligiannis
“Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin, 2nd Ward alderman Juany Garza who enthusiastically advocated for my parents, 3rd Ward Alderman Ted Mesiacos, family and friends, my name is Penny Deligiannis and my family warmly welcomes you to our home and neighborhood on this incredibly-special milestone in our family’s history and for the Greek-American community in Aurora, Ill. and its neighboring suburbs….
“During an age when society tends to focus on the me or I, my two brothers, Spiro and Bill, and I, have looked to our father, Dimitri, and mother, Konstandena Deligiannis, with utmost love and deep respect. It is the kind of love that we have for our good-humored Dad who is a gentleman and our dynamic, ultra-generous, force-of-nature, Mom. It is the kind of respect that has developed over a lifetime of seeing them do their utmost every day of their lives in order to provide the best life and opportunities for us while simultaneously helping countless others.
“Dad immigrated to Aurora in 1956. Six years later, he returned to Greece to marry our beautiful God-fearing mother, Dena, in their hometown village of Kandyla. With the belief that God would somehow provide, they moved to Aurora in 1962, a move that has richly blessed the lives of my extended family and our entire community. Due to their unselfish nature, they helped open the door for Mom’s parents and five siblings and four of Dad’s siblings to immigrate to Aurora.
“My parents’ unwavering Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Christian Faith is at the core of what shapes their priorities. They adhere to the Golden Rule. From the very beginning, Dad and Mom would take us by the hand when we were little to go to church together as a family! Every Sunday of our lives, they have bowed their heads before God during Divine liturgy to gain strength.
“We are proud to live on the East Side of Aurora allowing us to make lifelong friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.
“As newlyweds in 1962, Dad and Mom (who are two of the original 12 Founders) were part of a small group of hard-working Greek immigrants who initially petitioned and then established Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. Today, our beloved parish is a beacon of light and soothing balm that positively affects thousands of souls.
“Spiro, Bill, and I learned how to treat others by watching our parents. They do not have enemies. They only acquire friends.
“My brothers and I visited home while studying at the University of Illinois at Urbana for a large gathering of relatives. Two of my uncles were passionately discussing the stock market and boasting about their financial assets. They asked Dad what his investments were. Dad quietly pointed to Spiro, Bill and me and told them (in Greek) “My children are my investments. These are the assets that matter to Dena and I most that we must grow in the right way. All I have within me, I will share, teach and show them. This is what truly matters.”
“Mom and Dad love people, are social animals and are givers, not takers. It is in their DNA. They place a high value on integrity, being authentic, never harming others, intentionally, and bringing people together in peace. Through their daily actions, these are the living lessons they are still teaching us.
“I know few people with as much common sense as my parents. They understand the secret to happiness, trusting in God, loving your family and being good to your neighbor. Simple things but how many people actually put them into practice?
“In one generation, my brothers and I and our church community are living the American Dream and worshipping in God’s House due to the sacrifices James and Dena Deligiannis and others made who gave from their essentials, not from their surplus. It is for this reason I tell you, I know few people as rich as James and Dena Deligiannis….”
• Note: The city government of Aurora recently named their home street of South Root Street “James and Dena Deligiannis Way” in honor of their 60 years of community service and being original Founders of Saint Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church. Daughter, Penny Panayiota Deligiannis, delivered this moving speech at the City of Aurora Street Dedication Ceremony September 10 in Aurora.