Markellos Venetos

1935 - 2023

Markellos (Mark) Venetos, 87, of Lincolnwood, Illinois, born in Chios, Greece passed away on May 22, 2023, lovingly surrounded by his family.

Born on July 2, 1935 to John and Kalliope Venetos, Markellos lived his young life in the village of Kareas on the island of Chios, Greece before coming to America at 16 years old for a better life and the American Dream on November 30, 1951. After settling in Chicago, he returned to Greece in 1959 and married the love of his life: Angeliki (Kiki) Kaloutas. They started a family with the birth of their son John in 1961 and then their daughter Katina Christina (Tina) in 1964.

Markellos was a cherished son and brother, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and close friend to many, who amazed all with his inspirational stories of his life and those of his ancestors in Greece. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love of family, a commitment to diligence and hard work as well as the importance of making the most of life by spending quality time with your loved ones. His love for his wife Kiki went above and beyond for 64 years, and they lived an incredible life filled with the joys of family, faith and many travels abroad to Greece and other wonderful locations.

Markellos had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, an unwavering devotion to God and an unparalleled work ethic. His father was a teacher, and Markellos highly valued education, finishing high school at 16 years old and later attending classes at Loyola University Chicago. He inspired his two children to both become physicians, as was his dream as a young child. He was a man of faith and a devout Greek Orthodox Christian who regularly attended and chanted at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago for decades. He also spent his professional career as a Locomotive Engineer with Amtrak, where he was responsible for safely operating trains all across the country. Markellos was a proud American who served in the U.S Army Reserves. He was also in the Brotherhood of Masons and served as a Past Master of Hellenic Lodge #1084.

Markellos is survived but deeply missed by his loving wife, Kiki (née Kaloutas), of 64 years; and by his children: Dr. John (Stacy née Armonis) Venetos and Dr. Tina Venetos. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren: Sophia (Paul) Kramarz, Angie (John) Wisniewski, Markellos Venetos, Dr. Stephanie (Dr. Joseph Ruiz) Pintas, William J. Pintas, JonMark Pintas; and three great-grandchildren: Daniella Kramarz, Alexandra Kramarz and Nicholas Kramarz. He will also be remembered by his many loving nieces and nephews from across Chicagoland and the greater Boston area.

Markellos is also survived by his sister Anna (Ernie) Georgean and his brother Peter (Brenda) Venetos.

He is preceded in death by his parents John and Kalliope Venetos and his sister Georgia Tsiranidis.

Markellos will be deeply missed, but we are grateful to God for all the wonderful, happy and healthy years we shared together. May his loving memory be eternal.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 31 from 4-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60646. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 1 at 10am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W Winona St, Chicago IL 60625. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and contributions be sent to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. More info www.smithcorcoran.com or 773-736-3833.