Christos Barlas | Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services, Inc

Christos Barlas November 3, 1939 – May 31, 2024

A celebration of Christos’s life will be held all in one day on Friday, June 7th at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 Kolmar Avenue, Oak Lawn Illinois, 60453. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral service will take place immediately after and start promptly at 11:00 AM. Christos will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery of Evergreen Park.

In Loving Memory.

Christos Barlas, age 84, passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life filled with joy, pride, and unwavering compassion.

Beloved husband of Evangelia for 58 years. Son of the late George and Alexandra Barlas. Beloved father of Alexandra (Stephen) Gajda and Bessie Barlas. Admired grandfather of Kristina, Emily, and Nicholas Gajda. He was the eighth oldest of twelve siblings: late sister Eleni (Paul) Dimakis, late sister Paraskebi (Foti) Loukopoulos, late sister Katerina Barlas, brother John (Basw) Barlas, late sister Georgia (George) Kalantzis, late brother Gregory (Eleni) Barlas, late brother Ilias (Marw) Barlas, sister Tasia (Dimitris) Patouras, brother Manthos (Diamantw) Barlas, brother Nikolaos (Athanasia) Barlas, and brother Paul (Theodora) Barlas. Beloved cousin to many. Cherished uncle of many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Born November 3, 1939, in the village of Lexaion, Korinthias, Greece, Christos grew up exploring the beauty of their village at St. Gerasimos Church. His earliest days were spent farming with his father and siblings, cultivating rows of vibrant grapevines, delicate apricot and orange trees, and beautiful lemon and pomegranates trees. Christos honorably served in the Greek Army for 2 years which instilled in him a sense of duty and honor, qualities that he carried with him throughout his life.

Christos and Evangelia’s love story began on a Thursday, and they were engaged a few short days after. Their love was celebrated at their wedding the following weekend. Soon afterward, Evangelia moved to America and Christos came 5 months later to begin their life together. They planted their roots in Oak Lawn, IL and their family began to grow. He worked with his brother in-laws in the fruit produce industry and as a factory worker. Christos possessed a remarkable passion for his Greek heritage and love for life, which he passed down to his family.

As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Christos’s love knew no bounds. He cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife, Evangelia, and took great pride in the accomplishments of his daughters, Bessie and Alexandra, and his grandchildren, Kristina, Emily, and Nicholas. Christos’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering determination will continue to inspire us all. May his spirit forever live on in the memories we hold dear and the traditions we carry forward.