Anastasios Betzelos

Anastasios S. Betzelos passed away peacefully on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 99 years of age. Also known as "A. Steve" or "Stash", he was surrounded by his Family at his Chicago home. Husband of the late Irene (née Rempas). Beloved Brother of the late Angelo S. (the late Bessie nee Cominas), the late James S. (the late Priscilla nee Tompary), and Elaine (the late John) Palmer. Dear brother-in-law to the late Bill Rempas and Joy Rempas. He was the proud Uncle and Great Uncle to many Nieces and Nephews who loved him dearly. Stash attended Cleveland Grammar School and Amundsen High School, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in April 1943 and served his country with distinction. He was awarded numerous medals including the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star. In October 1945, he was awarded the WW II Victory Medal and as Sergeant, the American Campaign Medal. Prior to completing his services in Southeast Asia he attained the rank of Major, U.S. Air Force. Stash's love of the skies continued throughout his life as he obtained his Private Pilots License and traveled throughout the U.S. on his private plane with his wife Irene and many Friends. Following his return from the military, Stash worked with his Father in the family produce business. Later, he founded Sunset Enterprises including the Sunset Construction, Sunset Realty, and Sunset Insurance businesses with his brothers Angelo and Jim. Becoming leading business executives, the Betzelos Brothers secured national construction contracts, including E.F. McDonald's Plaid Stamp Redemptions Stores, Shopping Centers, Custom Homes, Apartment Buildings, and Orthodox Churches and Community Centers. Proud of his Hellenic ancestry, Stash was a dedicated servant to a number of Community Organizations. He joined the Masonic Hellenic Lodge,1084 and became a 32 Degree Mason. Later he joined the Medinah Shriners, and as Commander of the Aviation Club was responsible for flying disabled and medically challenged children to the Children's Shriner Hospital for medical care. Stash joined the American Legion, and as Commander of Hellenic Post 343, he worked tirelessly with his fellow WW II Hellenic Legion members to fund and build the American Hellenic Veterans Memorial at Elmwood Cemetery - honoring the many dedicated servicemen who lost their lives in preserving the freedom we all are blessed with today. Known as "Mr. Ahepa", Stash joined the Ahepa Family in 1949.  He held multiple District and National positions and became Supreme President in 1987. The extended families of Stash participated in numerous Ahepa Conventions, excursions to Greece visiting the birthplace of Papou and Yiayia Betzelos, and private visitations with the Patriarch of Constantinople. For his continuous life-long services, Stash was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. In 1996 Stash received the highest layman award of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. As a "Centurion", Stash led a life filled with rich experiences and community contributions. He touched the lives of many through his generosity and passion for life. Stash will be greatly missed. Friends and Family will meet on Monday, October 9, 2023 for a Visitation from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM at N.H. Scott and Hanekamp Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Road, Glenview, IL 60025. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 West Winona Street, Chicago, IL 60625. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the Ahepa Scholarship Fund or the Hellenic Post #343 American Veterans Memorial Fund. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Directors, Ltd.