Gabriel M. Pantelis

Gabriel M. Pantelis (Pantelides) died on May 15, 2024 at the age of 98 leaving behind a history of survival as a Greek sailor during WW 2. His story began on the Island of Symi in 1926 with his birth to Michael and Katholiki Montiadis Pantelides. Because his father had become an American citizen, he was raised by a single mom who lovingly struggled to raise Gabriel as a child of the Greek Orthodox church and there he served as a chantor. The love of God lived in Gabriel throughout his life. He dreamed of coming to America to better himself. In Greece his formal education was limited to elementary school because of the demands of the Italian leadership on the inhabitants of the island of Rhodes where he grew up.
His story which he wrote about in his autobiography entitled "From Greece to America. My dreams as a young boy come true" reads like historical fiction. Surviving the war, meeting his father at the age of 21, sailing to the USA made him even more anxious to live and achieve the American dream.
Gabriel's mother had taught him to learn as many skills as he could because in the future they would come in handy. Those included tailoring, cooking, music and handyman skills. He was able to sponsor and bring many individuals with sewing and tailoring skills to also come and prosper in Baltimore. His first job was tailoring and he worked for more than one establishment.
He also formed his own orchestra and played for dances, weddings, christenings, etc. up and down the east coast. And his vocals were in many languages.
The church was an overwhelming driving force in his life. At the time of his death, Gabriel was the last remaining member of the original St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parish Council which was established over 70 years ago yet that still was not enough. Gabriel and his late wife, Elaine were among the founding fathers of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox church who also hosted the initial meeting of those founding families at their home over 50 years ago. For both parishes, his role was fundraiser - dances, picnics, raffles, carnivals, whatever the church asked of him, he always obliged.
A self made man he decided to become a restaurant /bar/package goods owner. When his businesses were established he would sell and move forward. These included: New Times Inn, Charlie's Milk Bar, the Trail House Restaurant, Hertsch's Tavern, Ray's Inn and he built the Corinthian Restaurant and Lounge. He was married to Elaine Michalos on June 30, 1957 and they had children, Cathy and Michael. They had a wonderful life for over 40 years and they were blessed with 4 wonderful grandsons from Cathy and her husband Mike. They are Manoli, Gabe, Anthony and Costa. Sadly Elaine died on December 20, 1998.
Love came a second time around with Joanne Arnas-Sitaras who had been widowed 5 years before. Throughout both marriages, Gabriel and his spouses were able to travel the world. They had homes in Florida and Rhodes, Greece and they visited countries on 6 continents (avoiding the cold one). Gabriel personified a life well lived.
A Trisaghion Service will be held at the family-owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road (beltway exit 26) on Sunday, May 19th at 6:00 PM. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Mr. Pantelis will lie in State at Saint Demetrios Church, 2504 Cub Hill Road, Parkville, MD 21234 on Monday, May 20th from 10:00 to 10:30 AM, at which time the funeral service will be held. Interment Saint Demetrios Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint Demetrios Church or any Orthodox Church.