Victor Bokas was born in Greece on December 18, 1884 in Feletes Epperos, Greece. He immigrated to American in 1911, arriving in New York aboard the Patris. He applied for citizenship in 1917, which was granted on January 16, 1925. He was called up by the US Army during WWI on August 24, 1918 and ordered to report to Camp Jackson, South Carolina. At the time of his induction, he was the proprietor of a confectionery store at 303 South Palafox Street and resided there as well. His store offered the Pensacola public such delights as sugar candies, chocolates, candied fruits and nuts, pastries, syrups, and chewing gum. By 1921, he had returned from the Army and was still running his shop on South Palafox. He had also taken up residence in the Hotel LaSelle (former Hotel Plaza at 108 East Government Street) rather than living above his shop. Sometime between 1924 and 1927 he married Xanthe Amoingian, who was born in Hydra, Greece on January 25, 1898. She had immigrated to America and taken the oath of allegience on November 6, 1941. Victor would hold several employment positions in the food industry before passing away on June 9, 1985. He was buried in St. John's Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida where he joined his wife Xanthe.
Victor Bokas (right) Confectionery Store at 303 South Palafox Street 1919
Victor's transport to America was the SS Patrias. The ship would meet her fate on 25 November 25, 1940 when a bomb was planted aboard by a Haganah saboteur who intended to disable the ship to prevent deportation of its Jewish refugees by the British. The explosion blew a hole in the ship's side sinking it in 16 minutes. There were 1,800 refugees aboard who had embarked along with a crew of 130 including numerous British guards. Almost 300 were killed. with the majority of victims Jewish refugees along with 50 of the crew plus British guards.
Pensacola News Journal 3-22-1918
Victor Bokas in later life
Xanthe (1898-1967) & Victor Bokas (1884-1985)