Konstantinos February 14, 1935 – May 7, 2026
Politimi Michalarias May 10, 1944 – May 15, 2026
Services for Mr. & Mrs. Michalarias will take place all in one day on Wednesday May 20th at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11105 South Roberts Road Palos Hills Illinois 60465. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The Funeral Service will begin immediately after the visitation, promptly at 10:00 AM. They will be laid rest together at Evergreen Cemetery of Evergreen Park Illinois.
In lieu of flowers the Michalarias family kindly asks that you consider a memorial donation in their parents memory to St. Spyridon Hellenic Orthodox Church or Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
For information please call or text Michael Orrico 815/260-0668
Dino Michalarias, of Oak Lawn, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on May 7, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1935, in Vrondama, Sparta Lakonia, Greece, to the late Dimitrios and the late Katerina (Papageorgakis) Michalarias.
Dino was the beloved husband of 65 years to Politimi (Kollias) Michalarias, who also passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026. She was born on May 10, 1944, in Alepohori, Sparta Lakonia, Greece to the late Dimitrios and the late Konstantina (Georgantonis) Kollias.
Loving parents of Dr. James (Irini), Kathy, and Connie (Harry) Zembillas. Cherished brother/sister-in-law of the late Nicholas (late Maria) Michalarias, the late Peter (Eleni) Michalarias, the late Irene (late Nicholas) Mihas, the late Georgia (late Steve) Panos. Dear brother-in-law/sister of the late Dino Kollias. They also leave behind many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and extended family both here, Greece and Australia.
At the age of 17, Dino immigrated to South Chicago in 1952 through Ellis Island. He went back to Greece and married Politimi in 1960. He had a strong work ethic and had various jobs throughout his early years, including Gayety’s Chocolates, Swift, and Rheem. He started his enterpreneurial desire with his brother Peter at Omar Liquors.
In 1972, Dino and his brother Peter opened the first Olympia Foods in Oak Lawn, IL. In 1976, they built the store in Palos Hills, IL, and their brother Nicholas joined them.
Nothing brought Dino greater joy than his faith, his family, his business, his love of music, and playing his bouzouki in his band, “The Greek Lads”. A true Spartan at heart, he deeply loved his homeland, especially his cherished village of Vrondama. He was also known for his humor, and being young at heart. He and Politimi enjoyed their retirement years, as they spent many summers in Greece with their parea of lifelong friends and relatives. When asked how he was doing, he would always say “ mia hara ” (joy/great happiness). At the age of 14, Politimi moved to Athens to live with her aunt and learn the trade of seamstress work. After returning home, she often visited another aunt in Vrondama, who lived near Dino. It was there that Dino met her, and the two married when she was just 16 years old. Politimi was a devoted wife and mother who found great joy in raising her children, her faith, cooking, baking, sewing, and caring for her home and family. Her beautiful blue eyes and warm smile were her trademarks. Her name, Politimi (meaning ‘very worthy’), described her perfectly, for what she meant to her family.”
May they rest in the loving presence of our Heavenly Father. Memory Eternal. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc.