Spiros P. “Sam” Argiris August 18, 1941 – May 23, 2023
Visitation will take place at Knollcrest Funeral Home, 1500 S Meyers Rd, Lombard, Illinois 60148 on Thursday, June 1st from 4-8pm. Trisagion Service 7:00 pm. Friends and family asked to meet Friday morning June 2nd, directly at Sts Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 11025 South Roberts Road, Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 at 9:45 am for the 10:00 am funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Spiro P. Argiris to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care can be made to https://lightways.org/donate/
For information please contact Michael Orrico at 815/260-0668 or Orricofuneral@comcast.net
Spiros P. Argiris, 81 of Burr Ridge, Illinois, passed away on May 23, 2023. He was born August 18, 1941, in Achladokampos, Greece. He was a beloved man, a successful businessperson and restaurateur, a devoted father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and grandfather. Spiros was a generous man with great integrity and loyalty, whose life touched so many in profound and meaningful ways. He was fondly known as Sam to his friends, and in his spare time enjoyed gardening and relaxing in his lazy boy chair watching basketball, baseball, and news programs.
Spiro is survived by his wife, Mary Argiris; his daughter, Patricia (Anthony) Crotty; his beloved grandchildren, Samantha and Cameron; his siblings Ted, George, Georgia, Christina and Connie; many nieces and nephews; and his great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son Andrew M. Argiris and brother John Argiris.
He immigrated to Chicago from Greece in 1967 soon after serving in the Greek military. He worked diligently to build a life for himself by going to school at night to learn English, while working multiple jobs to invest in his first coffee shop restaurant. This journey led him to build successful businesses over the years, one of which was Valois Restaurant in the Hyde Park community of Chicago.
Spiros operated Valois Restaurant with his business partner, Gus Sellis and grew the business together over 50+ years, earning the respect and adoration of the community near and far. Valois is known for its history and is a landmark restaurant in Chicago. It continues to be a desegregated pocket in a largely segregated city that allows for interactions and conversations of Valois’ diverse clientele. The restaurant has served many US Presidents, Chicago Mayors, dignitaries and sports legends. Spiros was humbled that Valois was a local favorite of President Obama. A fond memory Spiros had was hosting the final interview President Obama gave to Lester Holt of Dateline before the conclusion of his term at Valois Restaurant. This interview aired on January 12, 2017.
Spiros’ greatest achievement was his family. He felt blessed that he and Mary had two wonderful children, Patricia and Andrew, and he loved his son-in-law Anthony very much. He was so proud of his two grandchildren Samantha and Cameron and welcomed opportunities to watch them play sports and their school programs.
Spiros’ legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts, but his memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him. May your memory be eternal and your legacy continue to shine brightly. All arrangements entrusted to Orrico Kourelis Funeral Services Inc.