Overview

Gabriel Tarsides, also known as "the son of Katerina Tarsitsas," was born in Kato Drys, to Kiriakos Tarsitsas and Katerina Vasili Pattichi. Facing financial difficulties, at the age of 12, he was sent to work in Egypt. He worked as an assistant in a café, which was his first job. After 18 months, he returned to Cyprus when his father fell seriously ill, with 7 pounds to pay the doctor, but sadly couldn't save him as a few months later his father passed away. After losing his father, he ventured to the United States, working initially as a busboy in restaurants and later would find a more lucrative job in a factory. That is, until World War I saw him drafted into the army, where he demonstrated his competence as a guard. On one normal day while on duty, he displayed an unbendingly by-the-book conduct, by refusing to allow an officer to enter without identification, which impressed said officer who hired him to be his own personal guard. Upon his return, he decided to marry Despina, Nikola Pattichi's daughter, and they had two children, Maria and Nikos. Following their marriage, Gabriel returned to England as an embroiderer, where his command of the English language and affable personality helped him thrive. His success enabled him to contribute significantly to his village by funding the creation of a girl's school, later named the "Tarsides Parthenagogeio," as a token of respect and gratitude. Gabriel and his wife were celebrated for their integrity, diligent work ethic, and philanthropic nature.