Vasilis K. Constantakopoulos (1935–2011)
Located in the southern part of Peloponnese, near Kalamata, is the village of Diavolitsi, which has a rich history. Its proximity to the ancient city of Andania, once the capital of Messenia, is confirmed by archaeological findings. Andania was an important city, said to have been founded by the mythical figure Polykaon, before it was conquered by the Dorians and eventually destroyed in the Second Messenian War. The city was known for its significant festival, the Mysteries of Andania, which was second in importance only to the Eleusinian Mysteries. After its destruction, the city never regained its former glory, and it wasn't until the Byzantine Empire took over that the area began to develop again, eventually becoming the village of Diavolitsi. During this time, the village operated under a feudal system, and surnames began to emerge based on personal characteristics or occupations, including the surname Diavolitsi, which likely originated from the word for "devil" or "slanderer", possibly referring to a skilled negotiator or a formidable soldier.
The Greek village of Diavolitsi has a complex history, marked by centuries of Ottoman rule with a brief interruption by the Venetians. From 1460 to 1685, the village was under Ottoman control, with locals working as tenant farmers on large estates. The Venetians and most notably during the Kingdom of the Morea took over from 1685 to 1715, introducing administrative and economic reforms, and encouraging the production of cash crops like wheat, olive oil, and silk. They also resettled Christian refugees from mainland Greece and the Ionian islands in the area granting land to local notables. Although the Venetians replaced the Ottoman land-tenure system, they introduced their own system of state-owned land leases. The Venetian period ended when the Ottomans recaptured the Peloponnese in 1715, but it laid the groundwork for prominent local families like the Benakis to hold influence and land ownership in the region.
The city of Kalamata made history on March 23, 1821, by becoming the first major city to break free from Ottoman rule, sparking the Greek War of Independence. The surrounding regions, including Diavolitsi and the upper Messinian valley, were instrumental in the rebellion, offering a key location and a significant number of fighters. Following Greece's liberation, Diavolitsi experienced a period of significant economic and social growth, emerging as a major commercial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries along with several developments. The town underwent notable developments, including electrification in 1936, courtesy of Konstantinos Konstantakopoulos and Panagiotis Stathopoulos. Additionally, the "statutory agricultural rent" was abolished, recognizing land ownership rights for cultivators. However, this growth was disrupted by World War II, as German forces occupied Kalamata on April 28, 1941, and subsequently stationed a garrison in Diavolitsi. The Italian garrison that replaced the German forces remained until Italy's surrender on September 9, 1943.
Following the end of the war, Greece was plagued by the Greek Civil War, a tumultuous period that lasted from 1946 to 1949 and had a profound impact on the Peloponnese region. Although the most significant battles took place in northern Greece, the Upper Messinian Valley, including Diavolitsi, was a key area of guerrilla warfare due to its strategic importance as a commercial and transportation hub. The town's railway station made it a crucial point of control, leading to intense conflict in the area. In 1948, 13-year-old Vasilios Konstantakopoulos and his family left Diavolitsi for Athens in search of a better life, fleeing the chaos and bombing that had intensified during the civil war.
Vasilios Konstantinos Konstantakopoulos, alternatively referred to as Vassilis Constantakopoulos, was born on June 29, 1935, in the mountain village of Diavolitsi to a family of modest farmers. While details about his family are scarce, it's clear that his parents and three siblings came from modest beginnings and lived simply, with limited financial means. Notably, one of his brothers, Theofanis, would eventually join Vasilis in his business ventures. The family's humble background and frugal lifestyle likely had a significant impact on their upbringing.
To help support his parents and supplement the tight family budget, Vassilis had to balance work and school from a young age. Every morning, he'd start his day by making a milk delivery in Exarchia, followed by a shift at a button factory in Evangelistria, and then headed to night school to complete his high school education. After completing his evening classes and working odd poorly paid jobs, an 18-year-old boy who had never seen the ocean before moving to Athens in 1948, began his career at sea. With no experience in the maritime industry, he managed to get a spot on a ship leaving from Piraeus. He worked unpaid for half a year to gain experience, supporting himself financially during that time, before landing a job as a low-paid deck hand on a cargo ship. Over the next 20 years, he systematically climbed every tier of the naval hierarchy at sea. He ultimately earned his Master's license, becoming an experienced and highly respected captain ("Captain Vassilis").
In 1964, Vassilis married Carmen Kyritsi who would subsequently become an integral companion to him in both his personal life and philanthropic pursuits. Their union was blessed with three male offspring. Carmen played a pivotal role in stabilizing the family's business endeavors, earning her a revered place in their history. Hailing from a rural village in Thessaly, Carmen broke free from the conventional expectations of her time, pursuing higher education and graduating with a degree in French Literature from the University of Athens. After getting married, the couple had to deal with the challenges of Vassilis' demanding sea schedule. To spend more time together, Carmen became a flight attendant, allowing her to coordinate her days off with his returns to port. Meanwhile, Vasilis opted for shorter routes in the Mediterranean.
After 20 years at sea, Captain Vassilis chose to settle on land with his family in the early 1970s. His initial plan was to start a grocery store, but his wife Carmen vetoed the idea. This led him to reconsider and invest his savings in the maritime industry, which he was familiar with. He used his savings and took out a loan to purchase a used cargo ship, naming it Carmen after his wife as a tribute and he established his own company, Costamare Shipping Co. S.A
The company's aggressive risk-taking policy fueled its rapid growth, as it took on diverse and challenging projects, such as shipping corrosive phosphates from North Africa to Greece and making lucrative voyages to Taiwan, which ultimately led to significant profits from scrapping its vessels. Today, Costamare owns many ships - over 50 - and can carry more than 3 million containers. This is about 2.5% of all containers moved worldwide. The company's journey began in the 1980s when it hired staff from a bankrupt firm and leased ships for regular voyages. Over time, Captain Vassilis expanded his business empire to include stakes in private banks, Aegean Airlines, and Autohellas car rentals.
Captain Vassilis made a significant impact in his later years with the development of the luxury Costa Navarino resort in Messenia. This project not only revitalized the region but also established it as a premier destination in the Mediterranean. The resort, which spans 1,300 acres, features various activities, including world-class golf courses, and has facilitated the creation of roughly 5,000 positions, thereby contributing significantly to local employment. Captain Vassilis's investment of 550 million euros was a major undertaking that put Messinia on the European tourist map. Although the resort's inaugural phase was introduced in 2010, Konstantakopoulos unfortunately succumbed to cancer in January 2011. Nevertheless, his lasting impact persists, and as a testament to his legacy, the airport in Kalamata has been formally renamed in his honor.
The founder's three sons have taken on key roles in the family's businesses. Konstantinos oversees the shipping operations of Costamare, serving as both Chairman and CEO, while Achilles is at the helm of TEMES, focusing on tourism and hospitality, particularly with the Costa Navarino resort. Meanwhile, Christos oversees the GeoHellas factory in Grevana, Greece and is also involved in various business investments and film production. It's worth mentioning that Vassilis, the brother of Theofanis, made significant contributions to the expansion and management of Costamare Shipping Company, working closely with Captain Vassilis.
The village of Diavolitsi is proud to claim a notable figure, whose legacy lives on through its charming architecture, including traditional stone houses, a beautiful town square, and a historic train station surrounded by ancient plane trees and quaint cafes. At the heart of the village lies the majestic Agios Soterios, a church dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior, whose origins date back to 1861, rendering it a prominent landmark and focal point of the community. Next to the church stands the Stathia Konstantakopoulou Theatre, an outdoor venue founded in 2009 by Captain Vassilis Konstantakopoulos during a visit to his hometown. The theater hosts a variety of cultural events year-round, including the "Cultural August" festival, which pays tribute to Captain Konstantakopoulos. This festival showcases a diverse range of performances, including theater, music, traditional dances, and literary events. Additionally, Diavolitsi serves as the endpoint for the annual "Andanios Dromos" road race, a 17-kilometer summer event.
Captain Vassilis is highly regarded by the people of Messinia, particularly in Diavolitsi, as a selfless hero who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to their well-being. Those who have met him, including local leaders and residents alike, describe him as a guardian angel who has never forgotten his humble roots. Despite facing numerous bureaucratic challenges, he worked tirelessly to support his community, earning their love and respect. Captain Vassilis played a crucial role in helping the city and region during times of crisis, including the devastating fires of 2007, and his unwavering dedication and unifying presence have made him a beloved figure. Additionally in 2011, the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation was established in Messinia with the goal of protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and preserving Greek culture. The foundation aims to position Messinia as a model for sustainable development and support projects that have a positive impact on society and the environment across Greece.
The esteemed Captain Vassilis, a distinguished Greek shipping magnate, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, firmly believed that individuals possessing the necessary resources and a clear vision have a responsibility to bring their ideas to fruition, a principle he exemplified throughout his own life and endeavors.
