Thomas G. Cholakis

Cholakis, Thomas G. NORTH GREENBUSH Thomas G. Cholakis, 73, died suddenly at home on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Tom was born in Troy, N.Y., the son of the late George and Katina (Dukas) Cholakis, who emigrated from Sparta, Greece. Beloved husband of 48 years to Katherine (Buas) Cholakis; the much-loved father of Nia (John Aretakis) and George (Evangeline); the dear brother of Nicholas (Helen) Cholakis and the late Con. G. Cholakis, whose wife Dassie survives. Tom was the proud grandfather of his cherished grandchildren, John and Katherine Dorothy "Kady". They were the "lights" of his life and they adored and loved him. Tom was the dear son-in-law of Urania Buas and the late Christ Evangelos Buas of Silver Spring, Md.; the dear brother-in-law of Elaine Buas of Silver Spring, Md., Anastasia Ruocco of Baltimore, Md., Evangelos and the late Diane Buas of Silver Spring. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was educated in Troy, a graduate of Troy High School and later of Siena College in Loudonville, always remaining a loyal fan to the Siena Saints basketball program. Tom, together with his parents and brothers, operated the Mayflower Restaurant in downtown Troy, a famous spot for high school students and residents of the city. While still a young man, he became active in the Sons of Pericles, the youth group of the American Hellenic Education and Progressive Association (AHEPA), an organization created in 1922 for the enrichment and education of young Greek-American men. His interest and active participation through the years in the "Sons", earned him the status of supreme president. This position prepared him for his involvement in the many phases of his life. As supreme president, he traveled across the country and overseas promoting the goals of the organization. His maturity brought him into the parent organization, becoming president of Local Chapter #306 of AHEPA. He later earned the AHEPAN of the Year Award. Tom was a lifelong member and communicant of St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church in Troy. His parents were active in the creation of the church in the early 1930s. Tom served on the church board for many years, including serving as past president of the board of trustees, and was active and instrumental in the initial renovation of the church and other church projects over the years, including the recently celebrated 75th anniversary of the church. Tom was an honorably discharged U. S. Army veteran who, after his initial service, was recalled during the Berlin Crisis. His daughter, Nia, was born at Ft. Dix, N.J., while he served there. His lifetime service to the community included 18 years in the Rensselaer County Legislature (including majority leader), Rensselaer County Republican chairman, North Greenbush Republican chairman and longtime town committee member and most recently serving as past president of Capital OTB. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 18, 2008 at St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church, 909 River Street, Troy from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the Trisagion memorial service to be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church at 12:00 noon, followed by interment in the Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Belle Avenue, (off Pinewoods Avenue), Troy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas G. Cholakis Memorial Fund of St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church, 909 River Street, Troy, NY 12180. For a private on line guest registry, please visit, www.parkerbrosmemorial.com