Costantin ” Gust” Economou January 15, 1931 – February 11, 2026
Services for Mr. Economou will take place all in one day on Wednesday February 18th at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 South Kolmar Avenue Oak Lawn Illinois 60453. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral will begin promptly at 10:30 AM immediately after the visitation. Gust will be laid to rest at Bethania Cemetery of Justice.
The Economou Family Kindly asks that you may consider in lieu of flowers making a donation in Gust’s name to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
For information please call or text Michael Orrico at 815/260-0668
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Costantin aka “Gust” Economou, who left us peacefully on February 11, 2026 at the age of 95.
Born on January 15, 1931 Kerasia (Arvanitokersasia) Arcadia Greece, to the late Dimitrios and Vasiliki Economou. Raised during intense instability and war in Greece, he learned the values of family and hard work from a young age, often speaking fondly of being nurtured by seven other siblings. After serving Greece in the Army, Gust left for North America in search of a better life. He first took root in Canada and migrated to Chicago where for many years, poured his heart into his work as a chef and co-owner of The Magic Snack Shop in Chicago’s Southwest Side. A place that became more than a restaurant, it was a second home for countless friends, neighbors, and regulars who came for the “the best” home cooked meals. Whether he was flipping eggs or greeting customers by name, he made everyone feel welcome.
Gust is survived by his dedicated wife Stavroula (Karras); his loving children Vasiliki “Kiki” Economou and Dimitrios “Jim” (Jenny) Economou; loving Papou to his cherished grandchildren, Constantine, Clay, and David; Theo to many loving nieces and nephews, and many friends. All in either the United States, Canada, and Greece. Gust was also a beloved brother to seven siblings and was predeceased by his older siblings Panayiota (Kosta) Kalogeresi, Agape (Adonis) Athanasoulis, Christos (Alexsandra) Ekonomou Elias (Hariklia) Economou, George (Constantina) Ikonomou; and his younger sister Constantina (Leonidas) Bamidis. He also had a sister Maria (Spiros) Belokas.
Gust will always be remembered sharing stories and family and friends hearing the laughter and jokes around the kitchen table. His warmth, humor, and work ethic shaped the lives of everyone who loved him. May his memory be eternal. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc