He was born in Viniani to Serafim and Penelope Raptis. He immigrated to the United States as a teenager with his family to Charlotte, NC in August 26th 1974. Much of his life was spent working in the restaurant business. He married Joanie Russell, and together they had five children: John, Jacob, Thomas, Alexis, and Joseph. He was a devoted father, and loved coaching kids' soccer.