Louis M. Xifaras 
The following quote says it all about Louie’s life: “He was talented and kind and embodied a commitment to church, family, profession and community. He was one of the most decent human beings ever.” Louie Xifaras was involved in so many things during his lifetime that it’s impossible to do them all justice in this short space. For more than 30 years, he owned and operated the insurance firm of Xifaras & Kestenbaum in New Bedford. Everyone in New Bedford knew Louie. As a businessman, he was smart and astute but treated everyone in a respectful and honest way. When someone dealt with Louie, they were made to feel like solving their problem was the most important thing to Louie at that moment. And it probably was. During his career, Louie served on many insurance-related boards, and won innumerable awards from various organizations. His success in business dispels the notion once and for all that nice guys finish last. Louie was very active in his church, St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Bedford, where he served as a trustee and a long-time president of the parish council. He was always very proud of his Greek heritage and was an active supporter of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Brookline. In 1998 he was recognized by his diocese when he received the Clergy Laity Award. Louie was a fine dresser. His suits and shirts were always impeccably styled and perfectly tailored, the shoes always shined. But Louie’s favorite part of his wardrobe was the necktie. In fact, Louie had over 100 ties in his closet. There were only two requirements when it came to ties, as far as Louie was concerned. They had to be silk, and they had to be interesting – and for Louie, “interesting” really covered the spectrum. Anyone who ever ran into Louie in a restaurant will remember the sight of Louie with his tie flipped over his shoulder to protect it against spills. Louie was a long-time Boston Celtics fan and season ticket holder. He had the pleasure of attending countless regular season and playoff games during the heyday of the Celtics, including the Bill Russell-Bob Cousy era, the Dave Cowens-John Havlicek era, and the Bird-Parish-McHale era. Invariably after a big Celtic win he would light up a victory cigar ala Red Auerbach. Even toward the end of his life, with Parkinson's Disease having taken its toll, Louie would watch every Celtic game. As in every other aspect of his life, Louie was loyal to the end. Louie sure would have been happy to see the Celtics once again claim the title of World Champions!! Louie started running as a way to take off unwanted pounds. Having peaked at well over 200 pounds, he became quite an accomplished runner in his age group. At his lightest running weight, Louie was 50 pounds lighter and the equal on the roads to most runners much his junior. He was a regular participant in many local road races, and a perennial entrant in the New Bedford Half Marathon. In 1982, at age 47 he ran his best time of 98 minutes (under 7 ˝ minute miles). We dedicate this road race to Louis M. Xifaras, “one of the most decent human beings ever”. Louie’s life was sadly cut short in 2003 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Louie's loving wife Carolyn supported him in health, comforted him in sickness, and now honors his memory with this road race. It is her hope that funds raised from this event will be used to further the excellent research that continues to be done by Mass General Hospital and others on this cruel disease. The memory of Louie Xifaras will live on and we can think of no greater tribute to this fine man than the part he may play in ultimately controlling or wiping out Parkinson's Disease. | 
