George Vallianatos November 26,1945- August 11, 2024
A celebration of George’s life will be held all in one day on Saturday, August 17th at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 12307 Ridgeland Ave, Palos Heights, IL 60463. Visitation will be from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. Funeral service will take place immediately after and start promptly at 10:00 AM. George will be laid to rest at the Bethania Cemetery in Justice.
In lieu of sending flowers, we ask that you please consider donating to the ALS Association or the ALS Therapy Development Institute in George’s honor, to continue the fight in finding a cure for this terrible disease. Please use the links provided. https://donate.als.org/give/287064/ https://www.als.net/donate/ Please use George’s grandson Denny’s email as the family contact. d.kuruklis@gmail.com
In Loving and Eternal Memory.
George Vallianatos, age 78, passed away peacefully on August 11th , 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a life filled with pride, strength, and unwavering love for his children and grandchildren.
Beloved husband of the late Maria Tzakis Vallianatos for over 25 years. Lifelong companion of Svetla (Fotini) Zareva for 19 years. Beloved father of Spyro and Dina Vallianatos, Angie and Nikolas Kuruklis, and Peter and Stacy Vallianatos. Proud grandfather of Denny and his fiancé Samantha, Maria and her husband Dionisi, Koralia and her significant other Niko, Giorgos, Panagis, Alexandros, George (Georgie), and Yianni. He was the youngest of four siblings: sister Yiannoula Totolou, late brother Angelos Vallianatos, and brother Nikolas Vallianatos. Cherished uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
Born on November 26th , 1945, in the village of Valsamata, Kefalonia, Greece, George was a man deeply rooted in his heritage. He grew up surrounded by the beauty of the island, where he was instilled with strong Hellenic values that would guide him throughout his life. His early years were marked by service and dedication as he proudly served in the Greek Navy, embodying the courage and strength that were the hallmarks of his character. He then continued his service with the Commercial Navy which brought him to his first visit in the United States. There, he worked with his family and became determined in pursuing the American dream.
He returned to his beloved island, Kefalonia, and that’s where he met the love of his life, Maria. Their love story began in Greece, where they married, sharing a bond that would remain unbreakable throughout their lives. In pursuit of a better future, George and Maria made the decision to move to America. With determination and a dream in their hearts, they started a new chapter, bringing with them the rich traditions and values of their homeland. It was here that George realized his lifelong passion for food and community by opening the Olympic Star restaurant. The restaurant quickly became a beloved gathering place, where he poured his heart and soul into every dish, creating a legacy of warmth, hospitality, and love.
George’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. His journey from the shores of Kefalonia to the heart of America was marked by hard work, deep devotion to his family, and an unwavering commitment to the values he held dear. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the memories shared at the tables of the Olympic Star. George will be remembered not only for his welcoming spirit but for the profound love and strength he brought to all who knew him. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, just as his presence did throughout his life.