Andrea Niki Argiro

Andrea Niki (Parakilas) Argiro, 69, of Agawam, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 with her loving family and friends by her side. Her death culminated a valiant battle with cancer spanning over 12 years. Andrea was born in Springfield on April 19, 1950 and was the daughter of the late George and Jane (Stathis) Parakilas. Andrea was also predeceased by her baby sister Mary. She grew up attending the St. George Cathedral in Springfield, MA where she was among the many young church members who were part of the St. George Olympians Drum and Bugle Corps.  A future decision was to join the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke in East Longmeadow. After graduating from Commerce High, she attended Holyoke Community College. Over the years, she worked as a medical secretary for several home health agencies and, most recently, was a Human Resource Executive Assistant at Babson Capital Management in Springfield.

Andrea’s love of crafts gave her the opportunity to participate in many area craft fairs. Her skill in graphic designing allowed her to the chance to advertise the upcoming performances of her many friends in the music field. Andrea had a passion for singing and her professional career spanned over 5 decades. She was a vocalist for musicals, big bands, jazz ensembles, show bands, and dance bands while performing throughout the New England area. Andrea was a member of the Ms. Senior Massachusetts Cameo Club and in 2017, she was first runner up in the Massachusetts Senior America Pageant. At this event, she won the best talent and best philosophy awards. Andrea always stated that her greatest accomplishments are her children and grandchildren. She leaves her son, Louis Saccamando and her daughter, Christina LaTorra and her husband, Scott. Andrea’s love for her granddaughters, Elena and Alexandra LaTorra, was evident to all and spending time with them was her greatest joy.  Andrea also leaves her sister, Judy Lelas-George, and several nieces and nephews. Andrea will be dearly missed by her longtime, loving companion, James Argiro. She loved to cook, and one of her favorite things to do was to cook a huge meal for her family and friends. Andrea’s funeral will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke in East Longmeadow, MA on Saturday June 15th . The family will receive guests beginning at 11:00 with the funeral beginning at 12:00. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, also in East Longmeadow.  Byron Keenan Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Lupus Foundation of America Inc./PO Box 631047/ Baltimore Maryland 21263-1047…or…The American Cancer Society/PO Box 22478/Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123.