LYNN — Antonio Syrakos befriended Samantha Haskell two years ago and helped the Beverly resident through a tough time in her life.
Haskell braved Friday’s frigid temperatures to stand silently at Pine Grove Cemetery’s entrance as a hearse carrying Syrakos’ body passed by.
“He was a very kind person,” she said as more than 30 veterans from Lynn and other communities saluted Syrakos’ funeral possession.
The decorated Afghan conflict veteran was born in Paraguay, a South American nation, and adopted by his parents, Paul and Doris Syrakos, who told the Item last week their 22-year-old son died in an accident on Jan. 10 outside Fort Campbell, Ky. They said the accident remains under investigation by the Army.
Syrakos’ cousin, Tara Egan, of Boston, attended his funeral and burial on Friday, and remembered Syrakos as “hyper” and fun-loving. She saw Syrakos last summer during a family party following his return from Afghanistan.
“He loved sports and hiking, and always had a smile,” Egan recalled.
An obituary provided by Solimine Funeral Home stated that Syrakos attended Lynn public schools, graduating from Classical High School in 2009, and noted his love of music and outdoor challenges.
Norman Kitchell, a Marine who served in Korea, and Charlie Pellerin, a World War II and Korean veteran, endured the cold Friday to salute Syrakos and his family. Both men carried small American flags affixed to wood poles and recalled how they entered the military as teenagers.
“We pay our respects to a veteran who served,” Pellerin said.
According to Solimine’s obituary, Army pall bearers were in attendance during Syrakos’ funeral and Classical High School’s “newly formed” Army Reserve Officer Training Corps members rendered honors to the funeral procession.
Members of Military Friends Foundation also stood at attention in Pine Grove’s entrance and saluted Syrakos. Foundation Executive Director Sarah Keller Likins said the organization uses donated money to help military families, often paying travel costs for loved ones attending military funerals.
“We provide immediate financial support to ensure families can be present. So many families are going through this,” Likins said.
Haskell said she was touched by the final respects paid by so many veterans to Syrakos Friday.
“I’m really happy,” she said.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].
