Anastasios “Tom” Evangelou February 2, 1953 – October 9, 2024
Services for Mr. Evangelou will take place all in one day on Monday October 14th at St. John The Forerunner Greek Orthodox Church, 8500 Archer Avenue Willow Springs Illinois 60480. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral Service will begin promptly at 11:00 AM immediately following the Visitation. Tom will be laid to rest near his beloved son Johnny at Bethania Cemetery of Justice.
For information please call or Text Michael Orrico @ 815/260-0668
It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Anastasios (Tom) George Evangelou on October 9th, 2024, at the age of 71. He leaves behind his loving wife, his devoted children, a precious granddaughter who carries his name, his siblings, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, a godson, extended family, and countless friends. He may have left this earthly stage, but his legacy of faith, love, laughter, and his legendary Frappe will live on forever.
Born in the picturesque Peloponnesian village of Perdikovrisi, Greece on February 2nd, 1953, to George and Alexandra Evangelou, Anastasios was a man who embodied the spirit of his homeland: warm, generous, and always ready with a smile. Although orphaned at a young age from his mother, he found a loving maternal figure in his stepmother, Sotiria, and remained a devoted brother to Chrysostomos (Chrysoula), Aggeliki (Panagiotis) Georgopoulos, Panagiotis (Maggie), Stelios (Debbie), and Chrysoula.
In 1975, he traded the Greek olive groves for the bustling streets of Chicago, where he embarked on a career in hospitality. His journey began at The Berghoff, where he mastered the art of communication, not through formal schooling, but by diligently studying the menu – a testament to his resourcefulness and determination.
In 1978, he met the love of his life, Konstantina, and they embarked on a beautiful journey together, raising their four children: George, the late Johnny, Alexandra, and Vasiliki. He was overjoyed to welcome Nikola Zistakis and Bart Lynn into the family as his sons-in-law, loving them both as his own. Seeing his daughters marry such wonderful men brought him immense happiness and peace-of-mind. He was equally delighted to welcome Maria, George’s girlfriend, into the family fold, knowing she brought joy to his son’s life.
With the biggest heart of gold, Anastasios never met a stranger he didn’t befriend. He possessed an uncanny ability to forgive easily and see the good in everyone. His love for his family was boundless, and he expressed it through countless acts of service, always going above and beyond to ensure their happiness. With his characteristic smile, he was convinced that his good looks were genetically guaranteed, declaring it impossible for him to have “ugly children”.
In 1995, they lost their beloved son, Johnny. Even in the face of this immense tragedy, his unwavering faith in God and love for his family saw them through this unimaginable loss. Anastasios, selfless, was a constant source of strength, love and support.
Anastasios was a man of simple pleasures. For nearly three decades he enjoyed working late nights at Kings Gyros, serving up delicious food and lotsof laughter to the people of Chicago. He was an avid lotto player, believing that even if the big win eluded him, he had already hit the jackpot with his family. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he finally witnessed his beloved team break the curse and win the World Series – a moment of pure joy. He had a booming voice (like a songbird), serenading friends and family with classic Greek songs, and danced the best zebekiko.
Though his time with us was cut short, we find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his son Johnny, his mother, and those before him, embraced by the Lord and Panagia he so faithfully invoked. May His Memory be eternal, and may his legacy of love, laughter, and “H Panagia Mazi Sou” forever resonate in our hearts. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc.