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Gus Kapsalis Obituary


Kapsalis, Gus S. age 77, of Chicago and Lake Forest. Born in Lidorikion Doridos Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents Spyridon and Violetta (nee Kadjiou). Beloved husband and sweetheart of Garifalia (nee Tsarpalas). Devoted father of Violetta Kapsalis (Robert) Buhler and Spyros (Stella nee Gzamouranis), who adored him. Loving Pappou and role-model of Eunice, Konstantine, Garifalia, Madeleine and Gus. Loyal brother of the late George (Maria), John (Fifi), the late Maria Kaliope, and Katina (Nick) Saindaris. Dear Godfather, uncle and cousin to many in the U.S. and in Greece. Gus courageously survived the brutal Nazi destruction of Lidorikion. He came to the U.S. in 1951 to serve God, his family, and country. Gus was very proud to be a U.S. citizen, and he honored his Greek heritage. Gus was a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War where he climbed to rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a successful Chicago restaurateur, and owner of the Coffee Hut and the Sun Lite Lunch. Gus served for more than 40 years on the Parish Council of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago where he gave his heart in various officer positions of the Council and as president of the School Committee. Gus was Founder and past-President of the Lidorikion Society. His cheerful demeanor, incredible intelligence, outgoing yet humble personality and unconditional love will be sorely missed. We will love him forever. May his memory live eternal. Visitation Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave, Chicago. Family and friends will meet Friday morning at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield, Chicago, for Visitation from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment Irving Park Cemetery. Donations may be sent to the Gus S. Kapsalis Memorial Fund, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 2701 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL, 60614.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Dec. 3 to Dec. 4, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gus Kapsalis

Not sure what to say?





Stella Dimitriou

December 7, 2008

Dear Kapsalis Family,

I was so saddened to hear about your father's death. He was a wonderful man and always so kind to my family. Mr. Kapsalis was one of the few people who asked about our father every single time he saw us. Especially after our mother passed away.

Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time.

jeffrey Berke

December 6, 2008

to Violet and Spiro -
MY deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of your wonderful father. I remember him so clearly when he attended the Schurz Players musicals to see you perform. He was so proud of both of you.
Sadly,

Patti Monaghen-Brandt

December 5, 2008

Dearest Kapsalis Family,
I am truly sorry for the loss of Gus. He was always kind and cheerful...he had a smile that would light up a room. I pray that God gives you all comfort for your grief and love that fills your hearts forever. It was a pleasure to have met such a wonderful man. My sincere condolences. Love, Patti Monaghen

Tom Marren

December 5, 2008

Violetta and Robert,
I am sorry to hear about your father's death. Violetta, you always spoke of such love and respect for your father. Take care of yourselves.

John Laftsidis

December 4, 2008

Dear Violet and Spiro,
I was sorry when my sister told me of the loss of your father. Even though I seldom saw him, she said he would always ask about me. That speaks volumes about the type of man he was. I never saw your father without a smile on his face and that's how I will always remember him. Take care of your mother and your families. You were lucky to have a father like Gus.

James Tsarpalas

December 4, 2008

I will always remember the wonderful smile and optimisim of my Uncle Gus. He always told me to keep a dollar in my wallet and I'll never be broke. He will live with me forever..

Georges Cehovic

December 3, 2008

I was a physician taking care of Gus Kapsalis. His family was extremely attentive and caring. Not knowing him before his disease, I was impressed by the amount of love generated by his family and friends. To me this only meant that all the good he had accomplished during his life was being rightfully returned to him. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Georges Cehovic

December 3, 2008

Gus was a great man who adored his family and his village of Lidoriki. Our prayers are with you all. May his memory be eternal.
Tom Yfantis and Family

Vasilios Barlas

December 3, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Betsy Buhler

December 3, 2008

From his warm, wonderful smile to his sincere greeting of "How are YOU!", there is no one like Gus.
Much loved, much admired, he will be much missed.
I am so grateful to have known him and called him family. May our happy memories of Gus give us all comfort. Especially to Litsa, Violetta and Spyros.
Love,
Betsy

Sophia Radlowski

December 3, 2008

Dear Kapsalis Family,

You have my deepest sympathy in the death of your dear father. I will keep with me my last fond memory of him when he, my uncle Savva and I had a spirited and fun conversation at the Vasilopita brunch at St. George last January.
May his memeory be eternal.

Sincerely,
Sophie Radlowski
Chicago, Il.

Ray & Aspasia Holloway

December 3, 2008

We are deeply saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. He could light up a room by simply entering it! His great smile will be missed along with his sense of humor. Gus was one of a kind and we were all better for having known him. We will keep Gus and all of his family in our prayers. God bless his memory.

Angie Kubiak

December 3, 2008

We will always love and miss our dear and wonderful uncle. May his soul rest in peace. Our prayers go out to the family. Love, Aggeliki Kubiak and Violetta Martinez

Sophia Haritos

December 3, 2008

To the Kapsalis and Buhler Families,

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May his memory be eternal,

With Deepest Sympathy,

Sophia Haritos

Julie, Joe and Lisa Carroll

December 3, 2008

Gus was a loving man and a wonderful role model to us. We love him and we know that God has a very special place in heaven set aside for him. Litsa, Violetta and Spyros, we love you, too! We pray for your peace and comfort during this sad time.

Howard Reyer

December 3, 2008

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Memorial Events
for Gus Kapsalis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

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