Stratton has been an active member of the central Massachusetts Orthodox
Community throughout his life. He served on the St. Spyridon Parish Council from
1986-1989. Stratton was highly active in the Young Adult League and the Dirty 30
Committee (festival clean-up crew). He sat on the Holy Trinity Nursing & Rehabilitation
Center’s board of directors just prior to its opening in 1995, forming fundraising events
such as the “Taste of Class” and bringing therapeutic programs and entertainment to
the residents. Stratton is currently volunteering at the Pan-Orthodox Food Center as
well as the Saint Spyridon Cathedral Choir.

Growing up in Auburn Massachusetts, Stratton began singing in the first grade and sang
in many local Orthodox Church choirs. His most prestigious stage was the Tanglewood
Festival Chorus in Boston—the vocal arm of the Boston Symphony Orchestra & the
Boston Pops where he sang for sixteen years.

After graduating from Nichols College in 1979 with a marketing degree, Stratton’s
business career took an interesting path, working in wholesale and distribution for
various industries. In the 1980s he re-invigorated Vito Wholesale Flowers, the company
his father and uncle had created. This business kept Stratton connected with Orthodox
Churches in Massachusetts, deepening friendships with clergy and parish volunteers.

Stratton’s sister Thalia’s passing further ignited his ever-present urge to assist others.
Thalia’s lifelong work helping youth inspired him to honor her legacy by dedicating his
time and talents to our most precious resource, our children. In Stratton’s words, “A
Worcester school based on truth, beauty, and goodness is long overdue, and the time is
now to get behind this effort…It is an honor to be on the Board of Directors of St.
Kosmas Academy and contribute to this outstanding mission.”