Obituaries - PATSIOS, DEMETROPOLOS, DEOMES, FROUSTIS, JAVARAS nee KATSIVELAS, KALOGERAS, KOUTSOUKOS, METALIOS, MICHAS, MILTIADES, MONOCRUSOS, PROUSIS nee HARRIS, SPEROS - The National Herald, March, 25, 2006
The following obituaries and articles were published in the March 25, 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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George Patsios, Head of Local YMCA and “Godfather” of Hamilton, Ontario’s Greek Community, dies at 69
By Daniel Nolan, The Hamilton Spectator
HAMILTON, Ont. - If ever there was a man who tried to live life to the fullest, it was George Patsios.
The Greek immigrant - called by some the "godfather" of Hamilton's Greek community - didn't hesitate to take on a task and worked on two continents, including stints as head of the Downtown Hamilton YMCA and general manager of the former Cable 4 (now Cable 14).
At one point, in the summer of 1974, while working in Greece as director of a summer camp, he risked being drafted into the Greek army when the country almost went to war with Turkey over the future of Cyprus. But the Greek Government (a military dictatorship then) collapsed; democracy was restored; and war was averted.
"It was just an experience that only people here can appreciate," Patsios told The Spectator at the time. "It was out of this world."
Patsios, 69, died on February 20 after declining health for the last few years, brought on by contracting flesh-eating disease (necrotizing fasciitis) while he was working in Belleville in 1994.
He died while receiving dialysis treatment at the hospital in Rio, near his home in Patras, 200 kilometers west of Athens. His wife and family members were by his side. His dialysis treatment was also as a result of contracting the disease.
"He was really tired, and he had suffered a lot, and he decided on his own to leave on Monday," his wife Maria, 60, told The Spectator in a telephone interview. "It was a surprise. He just fell asleep, and that was the end of it, but he always said, 'Life was beautiful.' "
The couple, married 40 years, traveled back and forth between Hamilton and Patras since 1998, but they stayed in Greece last year when Patsios became too ill to travel.
"We have excellent memories of Hamilton," said Maria. "Hamilton is our home. George lived his life to the fullest. He did everything he wanted to do."
Patsios first came to Hamilton from Montreal in 1964 to attend McMaster University and obtain a degree in physical education.
He received his bachelor's after graduating from Sir George Williams University in Montreal in 1963. He immigrated to Canada from Greece in 1956.
In 1965, Patsios joined the Hamilton Downtown YMCA as associate physical education director, and by the time he left in 1979, he had risen to become its manager. At that time, it had 5,000 members and a budget of $1.1 million.
He also served on dozens of national, provincial and civic committees. Some committee work dealt with the future of the YMCA in Canada and the United States in the 1980's. He served on the executive boards of such groups as the Ontario Handball Association, the Canadian Racquetball Association, the Canadian Physical Directors Society, the Hamilton Epilepsy Association, the Hamilton Press Club, the Canadian Club and Hamilton's Special Events Committee.
In early 1985 he was fired as general manager of Cable 4 after being on the job for five years and moving it in 1982 from cramped studios on Hamilton Mountain to new $300,000 headquarters on Dundurn Street South. No reason was given for the termination, but it didn't slow him down. He worked as a special adviser to Liberal Member of Parliament Lily Oddie Munro, and in 1989, he went to work in Belleville as director of its YMCA.
He is perhaps best known for his work with the local Greek community. He worked with the Greek Orthodox Youth of America and the Hellenic Community of Hamilton, and between 1977-79 had both a Greek radio and a cable television show. He helped organize the Greek Festivals of 1978 and 1979, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the founding of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.
"He was a very good husband and an excellent father," said Maria. "He always gave to people and tried to help people."
Patsios is survived by his wife; three children, Anna Maria, 40, Angela, 33, and Demetrios, 39; and two grandchildren, Venetia, 3, and Maria, 2. All now live in Greece.
The funeral was held in Patras on February 22, and Patsios was buried in a cemetery in his hometown of Zevgolatio.
The Hamilton Spectator published the above on February 25. The original headline is, “George Patsios Headed YMCA, Served Hamilton with Distinction - 'Godfather' of Greek Canadians always tried to help people.”
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Demetropolos, Sylvia. - Fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday, March 7, 2006. She was born in Bingham Canyon, Utah on June 17, 1929 to George and Virginia Z. Demetropolos. She was a graduate of South High School in 1947. She went on to work for various places, but eventually retired after 25 years of dedicated service from the JC Penney Co. Sylvia was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church. She volunteered her time teaching Sunday School and assisting with the Boy Scout Program. She loved to work at the Greek Festival with all her friends and took pride in preparing the Spanakopita. Sylvia was a member of the Philoptochos Society and the Daughters of Penelope, holding positions of office both local and district. Sylvia is survived by her sisters; Helen Demetropolos and Phyllis Demetropolos, brother Jim (Athena) Demetropolos, nephew George (Stephanie) Demetropolos, niece Jeanie (Mark) Palmer, and her best friend Demo. Funeral Services were on Monday, March 13 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Friends and family called on Sunday, March 12 at Evans and Early Mortuary, with a Trisagion Memorial Service. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery In lieu of flowers, Sylvia's request was that donations be made to the Restoration of Holy Trinity Window Fund. May her memory be eternal.
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Deomes Collinsworth, Mae. - Born on March 10, 1911 in Helena, AR and left this life on Wednesday, March 15, 2006. She was preceded in death by her husband, John F. Collinsworth; her parents, Gus and Rose Deomes; sisters, Mary Antul, Angeliki Stamatlou, Lula Geeker, Nina Souza, Lena Pollard; and brothers, Nick Spyrou and Jim Deomes. She is survived by a sister, Alice (Korem) Toney; nieces, Rose Thames, Nina Dees, Magda Felts, Sandy Cowling, Phyllis Pagonis, Voula Varvouris, Rose Mary White, Connie Cassidy, Andre Fitzgerald, Rosa Bullard; and nephews, Charles Deomes, Styke Valmus, Joe Pollard, Nick S. Geeker and Sam Toney; and Godson, Greg Thames. The loving care given to "Mae Mae" by the dedicated staff of Tandem Health Care over the last 10 years is deeply appreciated. A special thank you to her dear friend and care giver, Patsy Mougham. Memorials may be made to the Greek Orthodox Church or a charity of your choice. Visitation was on Friday, March 17with Trisagion Service. Funeral services were held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Saturday, March 18. Fr. Andrew Scordalakis officiated. Burial followed at Bayview Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home.
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Froustis, John N. - Beloved husband of Sue, nee Paraskevas; loving father of Lisa (Scott) Eng and Niki Froustis; proud grandfather of Stephany, Kristen and Isabel Eng; dear brother of Petros (Anna) Froustis and Stavroula (Mike) Diamandopoulos; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Visitation was on Sunday, March 19 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, in Chicago, IL. Family and friends met the following morning at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, in Niles, IL for Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. Entombment Elmwood Cemetery. Donations to St. Haralambos Church appreciated.
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Javaras, Aphrodite (nee Katsivelas) - Age 92; beloved wife of the late Basil G. Javaras; loving mother of Paul B. (Barbara K.) and the late George B. (Barbara B.); dearest grandmother of Kristen Nicole, Basil P. Nichols, Pamela (Gus E.) Pappas, John N. (Carol) Cutrone, Christine N. (Christopher) Lowe and great-grandmother of 11; devoted sister of Sotiris (Kaite) Katsivelas, Stella (the late Stavros) Nigdele, Constantine (Anna) Katsivelas, and the late Athanasia (the late Nicholas), the late Sophia (the late Mike) and the late John (the late Katina) Katsivelas; dear aunt of many nieces and nephews and friend of many. Visitation was on Sunday, March 19 at Salerno's Galewood Chapels, in Chicago, IL. Funeral service was held on March 20 morning at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, in Chicago.
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Kalogeras, Chris G. - Another member of the greatest generation, beloved husband of Pauline, nee Trigourea; loving father of George; proud grandfather of Ashley; devoted son of the late George and Helen; dear brother of the late John and Peter (Elaine) Kalogeras; fond brother-in-law of Bessie and the late Mary, Gladys, Esther and Sam Trigourea; cherished uncle of many. Combat Veteran WWII U.S. Air Force. Member of Hellenic Post #343 American Legion. Chief architect for the Chicago Transit Authority. Founding member of the O.Y. (Orthodox Youth of America). Past president and parish council member for 51 years of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, IL. A proud Chicagoan. We love you Dad. Visitation was on Sunday, March 19 at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home in Chicago, IL. Family and friends met the following morning at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, in Chicago, for visitation until time of Funeral Service. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. By request of his family, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hellenic Post #343 American Legion Monument Fund (to be erected at Elmwood Cemetery) c/o his family.
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Koutsoukos, Demetra. - Age 83; beloved wife of the late Frank; loving mother of Jean (late Dimitrios) Michalopoulos, Thomas (Paula) Kramer and Nicholas; loving grandmother of Elaine, Deanna, Zachary and Mikey. Funeral service was on Monday, March 20 at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Paltine, IL. Burial Arlington Heights Wheeling Township Cemetery. Information www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.
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Metalios, Peter. - Died on March 10; beloved husband of Demetra (nee Parthemos); devoted father of Vaio Metalios and his wife Kathryn, Margo Marck and her husband John; dear brother of Mary Teneke, Theophilos and Vaio Metalios; loving grandfather of Deanna Thompson and Michael Metalios; great-grandfather of Julia, Morgan, Peter and Zoe. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and - nephews. A Trisaghion Service was held at the Family Owned Leonard J. Ruck Inc Funeral Home, on Sunday, March 12. Mr. Metalios was laid in state at the Annunciation Cathedral, Maryland Avenue and Preston Street on Monday, March 13 with funeral service. Interment Greek Orthodox Cemetery.
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Michas, Christopher J. - Beloved husband of Sophia, nee Stamos; beloved son of the late James and Antonia Michas; loving brother of George (the late Margaret) Michas and Stephanie (the late George) Lekas. Funeral was on Monday, March 20 from Wm H. Scott Funeral Home, in Wilmette, IL to SS. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church for Funeral Service. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations to Pancreatic Cancer Research c/o ENH Foundation, 1033 University Place, Suite 450, Evanston, IL 60201-3196 would be appreciated.
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Miltiades, Michael. - Passed away suddenly, on Friday March 17, 2006, at the age of 82. Beloved husband of 57 years to Evrdiki. Loving father of Maria and her husband Harilaos Vlahoyani of Greece, Andreas and his wife Maroulla Miltiadous and Markella and her husband Savvakis Georgiou, all of Kitchener. Grandfather to Vangelis and Miltos Vlahoyani, Miltos and Vicki Miltiadous and Nick and Maria Georgiou. Miltiades was a member of St. Peter St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Kitchener, Canada. Miltiades' family received relatives and friends at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, on Sunday, March 19 with Trisagion. Prayers were offered in the Funeral Home Chapel on Monday March 20, followed by the funeral at St. Peter St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Father Konstantine Chatzis officiated. Interment Parkview Cemetery.
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Monocrusos, Elizabeth Bogue. - Died on March 5; of Danville, CA, formerly of Baltimore, MD; loving sister of the late Marguerite M. Hall; devoted Aunt of nieces Anne Woods and Elizabeth Hall and nephew Stephen Hall; beloved cousin of Harry Monocrusos and dear sister-in-law of Joseph Hall. A Trisaghion Service was held at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home Inc, on Sunday, March 12. Miss Monocrusos was laid in state at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation on Monday, March 13 at which time the funeral service was held. Interment at the Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation or to the Ladies Philoptochos Society, both at 24 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
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Prousis, Marion (nee Harris) - Beloved wife of the late Kay (Kyriakos)Prousis; loving mother of Michael (Stephanie) Prousis, Danae (Dennis) Rasor and Theo (Betty) Prousis; proud grandmother of Alexis, Melli, Samantha and Anthony Prousis, Katie, Greg and Becky Rasor, James and Andrew Furdell; dear sister of Helene (the late Savas) Georgiou and the late Dorothy (the late Ted) Kotsakis; sister-in-law of Elena and Patricia Proussis. Visitation was on Tuesday, February 14 until time of funeral service in SS. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, IL. Interment private. Kindly omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (for Alzheimers research), 710 N. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611.
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Speros, Ted J. - Our loving father and “Papou” Ted J. Speros passed away at home on Friday March 17, 2006. Ted was born December 26, 1914 to Effie and John Speros in Bingham Canyon, Utah. He graduated from Bingham High School and attended the University of Utah. He married Katy Paulos in 1941 and they were partners in marriage for 59 years. Ted's life was characterized and ennobled by his devotion to his family. Ted Speros was owner of Lambs Grill Cafe, The Herald Building, and Speros Investments. He was a fixture on Main Street for over 60 years in his fresh crisp white coat, greeting customers at the front door of Lambs Grill Cafe. Mr. Speros was a charter member of the Utah State Restaurant Association and served as president of the organization for two years. He was a charter member of the Executive Food Service Association and served as its president, national director and vice president of the Executive Food Service Association Western Territory. He was a trustee of the Western Restaurant Management group for 20 years. In 1965 Mr. Speros organized West High Schools Vocation Food Service program. He served on the Board of Governors for the World Conference of Records for Food and Service. He received the Golden Spoon Award for professionalism and civil accomplishment and was placed in the Utah Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 1985. Ted was very active in the Salt Lake community and served on numerous boards. Mentioning only a few: Ballet West, Utah Opera, The Utah Symphony, Chamber of Commerce, Ethics and Discipline Committee of the Utah State Bar, University of Utah Emeritus Association, Bonneville Knife and Fork Club. Mr. Speros served as a Board of Governor at the LDS Hospital and was one of the co-founders of the national conference of Christians and Jews. Mr. Speros was a Master Mason Progress Lodge No. 22, York Rite Mason No. 1 RAM, Scottish Rite of full masonry, member of El Kalah Temple, and Royal order of Jesters court No. 49. Ted was proud of his Greek heritage and was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He served as president of the Salt Lake City Greek community for two years. He will always be remembered in Salt Lake City for letting the underprivileged have a cup of coffee, a free meal, and slipping someone on the street a five dollar bill. He will always be remembered by his family for his strong morals, work ethic and his dedication to them. Ted had four loves in life. His family, his Greek heritage, Salt Lake City, and Lambs Grill Cafe. He is survived by his three children, Victoria Peters (Bill), John T. Speros (Magdalena), Estelle G. Kevitch (Michael). His grandchildren Angela Murphy (Michael), Katie Peters (John Kindred), Thomas Peters (Lori), T.J. Speros (Jennifer). Great-grandchild Alexandra Jo Ann Murphy, David Kevitch, and his sister Ann Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Peter J. Speros, and the love and sparkle of his life, his wife Katy. His family expresses grateful appreciation to "An Angel" Magda Gomez, who has cared for their parents for 10 years, to other caretakers Enrice Gomez, Carmen Verona, Irma Herring and Rina Galindo, for their loving compassionate care and companionship. They thank Dr. James Pearl and his staff for their dedication. Funeral services were held on March 21, 2006 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Interment was at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Ted expressed donations to be made to the Shriners Children Hospital or a charity of your choice. "May his memory be eternal."
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