George Kyros finished his journey of almost 97 years on December 7, 2022. It seems like a long time, but it wasn't enough, for him or us. He set big goals and he accomplished most of them. He had devastating challenges – but instead of faltering, he put his loved ones on his shoulders and carried them through. He never stopped dreaming. He was the most successful person we'll ever know.
He was a Southsider. His childhood home was on the 6100 block of Evans Ave., two blocks from Daley's Restaurant. Daley's is the oldest restaurant in Chicago and was in the care of George and his father before him, from 1918 through 1999, when it passed to George's cousins. During his time in Woodlawn, George was a community leader, a graduate of the business school at U of C, and a friend, mentor, and supporter to countless employees and community members. He loved Daley's Restaurant, and Woodlawn, and the employees who worked with him for decades to make Daley's the icon it has become.
He served in the Navy during WWII and later graduated from Bradley College. In 1952, having run his first restaurant, the Transit Inn at 24th and Wentworth, for several years, he sold it and used the proceed to spend an epic seven months travelling through Europe, the Middle East, and Egypt. While there, he spent time in Agriakona and Magoula Greece, the childhood homes of his father and mother respectively.
George was a dedicated member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Church. He was christened there, was an altar boy, a boy scout, a Son of Pericles, and a member of the church board. Most important: One year when helping with the summer picnic, his lucky eye fell on Ethel Pullos, a secretary in the church office. She was on a break, wearing a blue sweater and flashing her blue eyes. He asked, she accepted, and they were together from that day forward.
They had three children and six grandchildren. They travelled, danced, laughed, cried, struggled, and persevered. It wasn’t all perfect, and it wasn’t all easy, but it was beautiful and they set a standard their descendants will forever strive to emulate.
George was preceded in death by his daughter Sondra, granddaughters Maddie and Lexi, and sister Kay. He is survived by his wife, Ethel; his children and their spouses – Pam, Paul, Tom, and Sally; his grandchildren, Abby, Alex, George and Grace; and his sisters, Esther and Carol.
We hope anyone who reads this will take a moment to celebrate their own successes, be fortified in their own challenges, and inspired to strive to be more like George. We hope that for ourselves, and we hope that for you.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Church Visitation for George Kyros will be held on Friday, December 9th from 11:00 a.m. Until Time of Service at 12:30 p.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, IL 60465. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL. A reception will follow. Arrangements entrusted to Hills Funeral Home, Ltd., Info. 708-598-5880 or hillsfh.com
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