Obituaries - TRIOVOLOS (PRIOVOLOS), AIKATERINES (RENES), ALEXANDER, CONSTANDILO, CRONEOS, DINOU, GEANON nee TSAROUHAS, NCHOLOS, PAPPAS, SAMPURDANIS, KATSULAS - The National Herald, March 4, 2006

The following obituaries and articles were published in the March 4, 2006 issue of The National Herald, with their kind permission I am providing them as a possible tool for Hellenic genealogy research.

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Ted Triovolos, Joliet Steakhouse Owner, Dies at 67

By Brian Stanley, Chicago Sun Times

Ted Priovolos, owner of Al's Steakhouse in Joliet for more than 30 years, died on Friday, February 17. He was 67. 

Mr. Priovolos passed away at Provena St. Joseph Medical Center. He had been battling prostate cancer for 15 years. 

From 1972 until November, when the restaurant was sold, Mr. Priovolos could typically be found welcoming patrons to the restaurant he co-owned with his brother Charles, brother-in-law Gus Makris, and cousin George Karnezis. 

When not at the restaurant, the travel enthusiast was usually out of the country. Mr. Priovolos once estimated he had been on more than 25 cruises. 

"I am just like a sponge.  I want to soak up as much culture and history as I can. I enjoy nothing more than being able to see and learn about different places throughout the world," he told the Herald Newsin a travelstory in October 2004. 

Sue Grate, who joined the Priovolos family on many of those cruises with her husband, Tony, recalled their friend as the ideal vacation companion. 

"He was always so loose and fun," she said. "You couldn't imagine someone you'd rather be with." 

Tony Grate and Joliet Councilman Joe Shetina remembered Priovolos as someone who loved telling jokes and was able to remember hundreds of them. 

"Even when his restaurant kept him busy, he was always able to take time out for a good joke," said Shetina, a restaurant regular for years. 

"Ted came over from Greece as a very young man and lived the Horatio Alger story of making something of yourself in America," Shetina said. "What he accomplished was an example for everyone, and I'm very proud to have called him my friend." 

Cancer put Mr. Priovolos in the hospital for several weeks last year, and he had undergone chemotherapy, but his friends noticed he refused to relinquish his enthusiasm for life. 

"I never saw any man fight to live quite so hard as Ted," Shetina said.  

Before selling the business last year, Mr. Priovolos explained how the restaurant and its customers had helped him during his chemotherapy. 

"Al's is the social club. Not only do you run the place, but you socialize. I don't have to look for friends. My friends are here." 

Mr. Priovolos is survived by his wife, Ginny; his mother, Nicolette; his sons, George Priovolos, James Serr, Jeffrey Serr and Justin Funk; his daughter, Maria; and six grandchildren. Visitation held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home on February 19. Funeral services were held at the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church on February 20. 

The Chicago Sun-Times published the above on February 18. The original headline is, “Joliet Steakhouse Co-Owner Loved Travel.”

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Kathryn Belitsos, Beloved Teacher, Dies at 55 from MS

By Julie Bykowicz,  The Baltimore Sun

BALTIMORE - Kathryn Mary Belitsos, a devoted mother and active member of Baltimore's Greek community, died on February 16 at Johns Hopkins Hospital of complications from multiple sclerosis. The Lutherville resident was 55. 

Mrs. Belitsos, who had used a wheelchair since 1991, helped raise $350,000 to install an elevator in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation about a decade ago. She also served on the board of Johns Hopkins Autoimmune Disease Research Center and was active in many clubs, including investment, bridge and book groups. 

"She was truly remarkable," said her husband, Dr. Nicholas Belitsos, a gastroenterologist. He said most people used the word "optimist" to describe his wife. "Even though she was in a wheelchair, she would always be the one asking how the other person was doing." 

A mother of three grown children, Mrs. Belitsos was a fixture at the lacrosse games they played growing up, perhaps living vicariously through them as they ran up and down the field, Dr. Belitsos said. 

"She could always turn a sad situation into a good one," said her eldest son, Peter John Belitsos of Baltimore. 

Mrs. Belitsos grew up in New York City as Kathy Janos, the eldest child of Greek American immigrants. 

While a senior in high school, the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) selected her as one of about 100 students for a trip to Greece. Her seatmate on the plane was her future husband. 

The two married in 1973 and moved to Montford Avenue in East Baltimore. Mrs. Belitsos taught biology at Arbutus Middle School in the 1970's. She received her master's degree in counseling from Johns Hopkins the same day her husband graduated from the Johns Hopkins medical school. 

She was raising her two sons and daughter in the 1980's, when she began experiencing vision problems. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. 

Her family believes she died as a result of an autoimmune liver injury, Peter Belitsos said. 

Services were held at the Annunciation Cathedral at Preston and Maryland Streets this past Tuesday. 

In addition to her husband and her son Peter, Mrs. Belitsos is survived by her son, John Nicholas Belitsos of Boston; her daughter, Elena Mary Belitsos of Baltimore; her father, John Janos of New York City; her brother, Christopher J. Janos of New York City; and her sister, Denise A. Koutsoftas of Long Island. 

The Baltimore Sun published the above on February 20. The original headline is, “Kathryn Belitsos, 55, Biology Teacher, Active in the City's Greek Community.”

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Aikaterines, Vasiliki "Bessie Renes" - Age 96; died February 19, 2006. Wife of the late Peter Renes and the late Sam Efthiman. Dear mother of Sylvia Finos (the late Andrew), Arthur Mann (Marlene), Constance Sourvelis Fowler (the late Ken) and the late Patricia O'Neill (the late Charles). Grandmother of 15, great-grandmother of 28, and great-great-grandmother of 11. Also survived by her godson, Nicholas Toyeas, her niece Vera Kollinatis and many other nieces and nephews. Funeral Service was on February 23 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Troy, MI. Memorial Tributes to St. Nicholas Church.

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Alexander, "Deno" Constantine. - Age 79; passed away February 23, 2006. Deno was the manager of Ace Hardware in Speedway and the former owner of Baskin & Robbins on 71st and Michigan Road in Indianapolis. He was a member of the Evergreen Oriental Lodge No. 500, F. & A.M., Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Georgia Clones Alexander. He is survived by brother, Joseph Alexander; sisters Elizabeth Allemenos and Helen Zarvas; son Harry (Robin) Alexander; daughters Suzanne (Harry) Siamas, Jamie (Carol Slazyk) Alexander; grandchildren Nic and Maggie Alexander, Hadley, Alexis Christanne Siamas and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 27, 2006 in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, with additional calling until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Hospice.

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Constandilo, Thomas. - Age 83; of La Jolla, CA died on Saturday, February 18. He was born in Chicopee, Mass., and was a welder for Textron Corp. He served in the Navy during World War II and was a member of the VFW and the NRA. Survivors include his wife, Diana Constandilo; daughters, Elaine Mandulak of Sandy Hook, Conn., and Karen Constandilo of La Jolla; sister, Virginia Constantelo of South Carolina; brother, Charles Constantilos of Massachusetts; two grandchildren; and one great- grandchild. Services were on February 23 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. Donations: American Cancer Society, 2655 Camino del Rio N., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92108.

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Croneos, Jennie. - Age 79; of Lake Hiawatha, NJ; a service was held on February 23 in the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Clifton, NJ. Arrangements were by the Stephen J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, Lake Hiawatha. Mrs. Croneos, who died on February 20 in Kindred Hospital, Dover, was a supervisor for the New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. in Elizabeth for 10 years before retiring many years ago. Born in New Brunswick, she lived in Elizabeth for 30 years before moving to Lake Hiawatha 16 years ago. Surviving are George, her husband of 49 years; a daughter, Effie Standler, and a grandchild

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Dinou, John Christopher. - Age 83; passed away Thursday, February 23 2006. John Christoper Dinou was born August 4, 1922 inChicago, IL. He was a proud First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps (344th bomber Squadron) and was the recipient of various service medals, but most proudly the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was one of the founding members of the Marauder Men of the Metroplex. He was also a founding member of two Greek Orthodox Churches, Saint John's of Euless, Texas and Saints Peter and Paul of Glenview, IL. John was a published author, restaurateur, avid golfer and most importantly, the center of a very loving family. John was preceded in death by Marina Barkulis Dinou, wife of 55 years. Survivors: Wife, Suzanne Dinou of Arlington; son, Chris Dinou of Irving; daughters, Elaine (Eric) Clauson of Wildwood, IL, Vicki Dinou of Arlington, Joanna (Jeffery) Dailidas of Barrington, IL; grandchildren, Jaime, Greg, Scott, Jaclyn, Joe, John and Laura; stepsons, Jason (Karlyn) Eoff of Los Angeles, CA, Brandon (Bopha) Eoff of Dallas; stepdaughters, Penny (Bryan) Pickle of Denver, CO, and Emily Eoff of Austin; stepgrandchildren, Madeline, Eliot and Truman; sister, Carol (Connie) Pyshos of Boca Raton, Fla.; brother, Ted Dinou of W. Hollywood, CA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial service was on Tuesday, February 24 at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, Arlington, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Widowed Persons Service of Tarrant County, 2906 S.E. Loop 820, Suite A, Fort Worth, TX 76140.

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Geanon, Georgia (nee Tsarouhas) - Beloved wife of the late Gus; loving mother of Helen (Demosthenes) Bratsolias and Christine Geanon; proud grandmother of Maria (Brian) Knowles and Constantine Bratsolias; dear sister of Joanna (the late James) Babest and preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters; cherished sister-in-law, aunt and cousin of many. Member of the Assumption Women's Club Philoptochos of Chicago and Daughters of Penelope. Friends met on Thursday, February 26 at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, in Chicago, IL for Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Assumption Church, American Red Cross or to the Greek American Rehab & Nursing Centre, 220 First St., Wheeling, IL 60090 appreciated.

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Nicholos, Xanthe. - Died peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, with her family at her side. The funeral services were conducted on Saturday, February 18 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with burial to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC. Having been brought up in occupied Greece,she emigrated to the United States at the age of 16. A long time resident of Greensboro, she moved to Raleigh in 1980. At that time, she began working as a line worker at the K&W Cafeterias at North Hills Mall and Cameron Village. She retired in 2002 after 22 years of service. A cherished mother and grandmother, she is survived by her two sons, their wives and grandchildren; son Harry Nicholos and Sarah Noell of Raleigh and their children, Alexander, Rachael and Emily; son George and Janet Nicholos of Chesapeake, Va., and their children, Ryan, Katherine and Anna. In her retirement years, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. The family received friends on Friday, February 17 at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 5000 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612.

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Pappas, James M. - Died on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. He was 80. Mr. Pappas was born in Brooklyn and had lived in New Brunswick before moving to the Somerset section of Franklin in 1962. Mr. Pappas was a member of St. George Greek OrthodoxChurch in Piscataway. He was also a member of the church's Senior Citizens. He was a member of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association Monroe Chapter No. 75. Mr. Pappas enjoyed making people laugh and immediately put people at ease with his spontaneous sense of humor. Opera was a passion in Mr. Pappa's life. He was an accomplished opera singer and Luciano Pavarotti enthusiast. He enjoyed traveling and sports. Mr. Pappas was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Artemis Pappas of Somerset; his daughter, Olga Denise Pappas of Somerset; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael James and Sage Pappas of Branchburg, and his granddaughter, Destiny Pappas. Services were held on Saturday, February 25 from the Gleason Funeral Home, in Somerset, followed by a noon funeral service at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church Building Fund, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

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Sampurdanis, Evangelia (nee Rombakis) - Age 83; beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Sampurdanis; loving mother of Evanthia Sampurdanis, Matthew (Nancy) Sampurdanis and Nick Sampurdanis; dear grandmother of Janie; fond stepgrandmother of Danny; dear sister of Costa, Panagiotis, Stathi, Katina and the late John, Spiro and Fanni; aunt of many nieces and nephews. Funeral was on Tuesday, February 28 to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 893 Church Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126 appreciated.

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Andrew Katsulas, “Babylon 5” Actor, Dies at 55 after Battling Lung Cancer

ST. LOUIS - Andrew C. "Andreas" Katsulas, a St. Louis-born actor best known for characters he portrayed in such films as "The Fugitive" and the television series "Babylon 5," died on Monday, February 13, at his home in Los Angeles after a battle with lung cancer. He was 59. 

Mr. Katsulas took to the stage as a child, performing in community theater, and with a high school theater group in St. Louis. He studied theatrical arts at St. Louis University and earned a master's degree in theater from Indiana University in Bloomington. 

He landed roles with the St. Louis Repertory Theatre and later in plays in New York and Boston. He joined Peter Brook's International Theatre Company and traveled around the world, performing in improvisational and prepared theater pieces. He performed on well-known stages such as Lincoln Center in New York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, but also in such locations as barrios in Venezuela and the marketplaces of remote African villages. 

After Mr. Katsulas was cast in Michael Cimino's "The Sicilian," he traveled to Los Angeles, where he was chosen to play Joey Venza in Ridley Scott's "Someone To Watch Over Me," and then Arthur the chauffeur in Blake Edwards' "Sunset." 

Since 1986, Mr. Katsulas lived in Los Angeles, where he played dozens of roles in feature films, including the one-armed man in "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford, and recent parts in "Executive Decision" and "Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers: To Live and Die in Starlight." Among his television appearances were "Diagnosis Murder," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Star Trek." 

His roles in "Star Trek" and as G'Kar in "Babylon 5" made him a popular figure with science fiction buffs, and he appeared at science fiction conventions in the St. Louis area, including the Archon 27 in Collinsville, Missouri in 2003. 

The funeral was held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis on February 17. Interment will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery. 

Among his survivors are his wife, Gilla Nissan Katsulas of Los Angeles; his daughter, Katherine Parker of Buffalo, New York; and his son, Michael of Springfield, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, Mo 63108. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch published the above on February 17. The original headline, “Andrew C. 'Andreas' Katsulas: St. Louis Native Played 'One-Armed Man' in 'Fugitive.' ”