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Perry POTIRIS Obituary
POTIRIS, Perry George
Was born in Mason City, Iowa on May 18, 1926. On March 4, 2010, he joined his beloved parents, George and Kalliope Potiriades, who immigrated from Serifos, Greece. Perry joined the U.S. Navy in 1942, where he proudly served in the Pacific during WWII. It was during this time that he met his beloved Sophia Martha Ellis, of San Francisco. Together they pursued a dream of restaurant success that reflected Perry's patriotism, work ethic, and love for people, employees and customers alike. Trukadero, (now Original Perry's), Mr. Perry's, and Kallie's Restaurants became landmarks for travelers near and far. As the restaurants flourished, Perry became active in the Sacramento Chapter of the California Restaurant Association, the Board of Directors. He was honored with the title of Director Emeritus as well as receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in a formal dinner and tribute. "Mr. Perry" was recognized all about town, offering a heartwarming smile. Perry treasured his childhood and college days in Iowa. He was named as an All State High School Football player. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he followed Hawkeye Football, attending homecoming and even the Rose Bowl when Iowa played Cal, Sophia's alma mater. Perry was a proud Freemason, a Shriner, AHEPA, Elks, U. S. S. Calvert naval group, Manly Railroaders alumni, and a generous benefactor to many organizations including the Methodist Hospital, Shriner's Children's Hospital, and the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Perry and Sophia treasure their children and grandchildren. Perry is survived by his beloved wife Sophia Ellis; children Martha (Ray), George (Janet), and Kalli; grandchildren Joseph, Sophia, Eleni, Mathew Pericles, John and Chris. There are many cousins, nieces and nephews who relied on him as a pillar of strength.
A Trisagion service will be held on Sunday evening, March 7th at 6:30 p.m. at GEORGE L. KLUMPP CHAPEL OF FLOWERS, 2691 Riverside Blvd. Funeral services will be Monday, March 8th at 11 a.m. at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 3022 F Street, Sacramento. Interment will be at South East Lawn in Elk Grove. Remembrances to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church.
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Memories and Condolences
for Perry POTIRIS
Sponsored by anonymous.
Sophia letters to Perry
Dee Lovig
May 28, 2017
Potiriades family,
I hope that I can reach dear Sophia, her children or grandchildren. I have searched for the owner of the letters Sophia sent to Perry between 1947-1950. I found them in the attic of the house I grew up in. Perry was a UI student at the time and Sophia lived in San Francisco. I have often wondered how the love story of Sophia and Perry continued as the final letter in the collection was of the meeting they were to have in the lobby of the Palmer Hotel in Chicago on Tuesday August 22, 1950. I am devastated that Perry has passed but I hope your family could find comfort and appreciate these letters. It is obvious that he cherished these letters.
My name is Dee Lovig and I grew up in Iowa City, Iowa. Please contact me if you are interested in having these letters. I have attached a photo of the letters.
[email protected]
April 16, 2011
Daddy-O,
It has been just over a year now. Each day, for me, brings with it the heavy load that the “physical you” has gone away ~ and this is SO difficult. This is what keeps me on the verge of tears at every moment and what makes my forever response of “mostly good” to anyone’s tacit greeting of “How ya doin?” I think that I will never again be “fine.” Not without you. Not fine.
Yet, the “real you” is with me each and every breath I take and this brings me strength and joy beyond measure. I have a picture of us that tells so much. It is in the way you are looking at me that brings to life what it felt like to be loved by you. There is nothing more powerful or overwhelming than being held in your arms. Your gentleness balanced with strength wraps around me. I feel it. In your face is a look of love so intense that I tremble. I am shaking. You loved like the mighty oceans of Greece and I am blessed each day because of your love.
As a little girl, I would play “happy face – sad face” when you would come home from a 14 hour day, exhausted.… Only to have me plop upon your lap and force smiles and frowns from your face. ? ? !! Or what about when you would play with us in the swimming pool? You would literally THROW us half way across the pool! As I soared, giggling and wiggling through the air; little did I realize that this metaphor would mirror how you nurtured us, supported us, and gave us the strength to fly. These (and a million more) memories are the reason that my childhood feels like a magical dream.
There are so many beautiful quotes that speak of a father’s love for his daughter. And they are truly amazing. But honestly, Daddy, there are no quotes that capture how you loved us. No words could ever capture the ominous magnitude of you, your heart, your passion and your love.
I am the saddest, luckiest, most loved little girl in the whole wide world. Of this, I am certain.
I love you.
Kalliope
Glenna Smith
April 11, 2011
Aloha,
I am so sorry for the passing of Mr. Potiris. He and his family played a very important part, in my life. I remember one year after moving to Hawaii, I got to visit with both Mr and Mrs Potiris. He helped to teach me some very important work ethics and helped me to learn to keep it light. My thoughts are with the Potiris family on the one year anniversary.
Much love and aloha,
anthony savas
March 14, 2011
My Dear Uncle Perry..Hardly a day passes without some fond memory of the wonderful laughs and times that we have shared together. After all, it was you who gave me my start in California via a job at Mr Perrys in the summer of 1984. Ahhhh, the summer of 1984 and those fantastic family Sunday dinners!! We would laugh and talk about "Three" fingers Nick, Mason City/Iowa City, The Hawkeyes,and "How could Grandpa Ted have burned down the Maple Drive Inn, he was in Chicago that weekend!" I admired Uncle Perry's business acumen, but, that sense of humor that dry sense of humor! I remember that I was late coming to work at the restaurant one Sunday morning. As I was running from the parking lot to the front door I slipped and fell. Later that morning Uncle Perry asked me why I was limping. I told him that I fell by the front door. I knew that I was in some type of trouble when he called me back to "The Office." Uncle Perry took his glasses off and pointed them at me (you can picture that right?)and said "Listen dummy, if you are going to fall, fall in Arco's parking lot." It took me a few seconds to realize the comedy and we both had a good laugh. Uncle Perry was truly one of kind who loved his family and the USA. He was one of the few people who have truly had an impact on my life. How much respect did I have for him? I stopped by Mr Perrys with Terry, my future fiance and wife, to introduce her to him on our way to Tahoe....Yup, you were right about her as well....I love you and miss you.
Anthony
Ted Savas
March 14, 2011
Like so many others, I also miss Uncle Perry and think of him often. I would like to share one particular memory.
The summer of 1986 will always be special to me. I graduated law school from the University of Iowa (being a Hawkeye erased all my warts and scars in Uncle P's mind!), loaded everything I owned into my little red Toyota and, when life was much simpler, drove to California.
Cousin Marti had found me a place to live on campus at McGeorge to study for the bar exam at the end of July. And I spent two months doing nothing but study. The few hours a week I ventured out each week were usually in response to invitations from Aunt Sophie and Uncle Perry for dinner.
Afterward each meal, Uncle P and I would pour a drink and sit in the hot tub and talk about life's travails. He asked endless questions and I answered them. Those few hours revitalized me, took my mind off my stress, and helped me cope with it all.
I admitted that to Uncle P the week before the bar exam. His reply: "I know! Do you think I sit almost naked here with you each week because of your good looks?" And then he splashed water at me and we both laughed long and hard.
I enjoyed those hours more than he ever knew. I miss you Uncle P, and know you are in good hands.
March 9, 2011
the tears dont stop --May his memory be Eternal,,and Marthaa\will make sure of that,,...God bless youdear Martha.
Martha Potiriades
February 27, 2011
Today we held the Mnimosino in memory of the approaching one-year mark. The entire family attended, as well as Mike n Chrissy Boettger as well as Stephanie Papas. Father Dino provided the majesty and elegance of the service, and the rays of sun beamed through the beautiful dome of the church, giving us all strength. I recalled sitting in church with dad, over a year ago. He always looked so handsome when he got dressed up, his Old Spice cologne, year after year. He was not feeling that well, but he had a cute chuckle when he saw a child walk by, so innocent and small. He was happy there in church, and he loved seeing the priest move gracefully about the alter. Papa. S'agapo panta.
Greek Easter 2009. Mom and Dad enjoying a fantastic family tradition. Dad in his favorite colors, red, white and blue.
martha potiriades
August 6, 2010
Cay Patten
June 20, 2010
Uncle Perry, my Uncle Perry, and I go way back. I think I was in his wedding, I have only sketchy memories of that. I know he played with me when I was about that age.
In my mind’s eye, I can see him asleep on the sofa in his mother’s living room and me playing next to him on the carpet. When he wakes up, he lets me play with his curly hair. When I ask him about what used to be a light fixture on the ceiling, he says it was a toilet plunger that got stuck up there. Even though I’m very young, I’m skeptical. He lifts me up, he’s so tall, I can touch the ceiling. It becomes a thing between us—he lifts me up so I can touch the ceiling.
It remains a thing between us- he lifts me up.
I remember his smile
I remember his kisses, both the sloppy wet ones and the courtly kissing of my hand
I remember his worried look and his jingling the change in his pockets.
I remember the busy times in his life, when he would talk to you with his mind on something else, his eyes darting ahead to the middle distance on the left, looking at whatever he had to be doing next. He was growing his business, moving up in the world, raising his family.
I remember his sitting with a glass of scotch when he came home.
I remember him at various weddings, really any kind of family event, hovering around the perimeter, looking for what had to be done, who needed a glass, who had to be recruited or corrected.
I remember how happy I was when I could make him laugh. “National pastime,” I said, when he saw me lazily washing the dishes and asked what I was doing. And I remember laughing at him when both families were visiting Santa Barbara one summer and he started knocking on our motel room windows at 7:00 AM, “Into the pool, I’m paying for this vacation!”
I remember him in Greece, on Serifos, with Grandma and Grandpa, sitting at a taverna, looking at his parents on their home island in the shade of the vines growing on the trellis over the tables. His sigh of relief. They’d made it there together.
I remember his checking in, checking in, stopping at my mother’s, stopping at Grandma and Grandpa’s, stopping at Andy’s, stopping at the restaurants, hovering and checking in.
I remember last year sitting at the table with him, when I don’t think he knew who I was, but he liked me, thank god he liked me, when he turned and said, out of the blue, “Do you know Myron Petanakis?” And another day, when Ray was grilling something for dinner and Perry watched me while I set the table; when we gathered at the table, he looked at me and announced, “New York.” He remembered.
When I could hear him on the baby monitor muttering, or calling for Sophie, when I went back to say goodbye to him and knew it would be the last time I’d see him, when he looked up from his skull face and wrapped his big hand and his long now thin fingers around mine, when my face echoed his and I could only think of Munch’s The Scream, I wanted to lift him up and carry him out of that picture.
We stayed a while like that, he kissed my hand, I kissed his, until he tired, turning his face to sleep.
In all these things he was lifting us up.
It takes a lot to move a family from the old world to the new, from the darkness to the light, from illness to health, from one state to another. It takes generations, and each generation has its responsibilities, its strengths and weaknesses. His parents’ generation got us here, but Uncle Perry lifted us up.
I salute you, my Uncle Perry and I love you. Thanks for lifting us up.
Martha Potiriades
March 29, 2010
Daddy Daddy Daddy I miss you.
Laurie (Penfield) Ault
March 27, 2010
Dear Potiris Family,
My father just told me of your loss today. My sincere sympathy to all of you. My memories back to being friends with Martha, knowing Kallie and George. I always loved to go with Martha to Mr. Perry's. Martha your Dad always did remember everyone. What a nice man. Like I said, I am so sorry for your loss.
Jana Purcell
March 24, 2010
My heartfelt ondolences to the Potiris Family. I will miss you Perry.
Jana Purcell (Moon)
Phyllis Cannon
March 23, 2010
Mr Perry was a good man that loved his family very much. Enjoyed people . And will be missed in he hearts of many. I just found out of his passing and now I know why the world seems a little smaller . Phyllis Cannon
March 18, 2010
Any stories about the Hidden Inn? Folks owned that, back in the day.
Martha Potiriades
March 17, 2010
Yes, Dad went to Manly High. He played football, and was named to the All State Team. One of his favorite songs, throughout his life was "We are Manly Football Players and we're riders of the night....etc". Is Manly High still in existence? We are way out in CA, so it may sound like a dumb question.
March 17, 2010
Blessings to the Potiris family. May memories hold your heart.
Respectfully,
Beth Schell and daughters, Sibil Goward, Stephanee Della Cruz and Samantha Horner
Lorraine Marker
March 16, 2010
I believe Perry P. attended Manly High School. If you are the one, I remember you. L Marken
Martha Potiriades
March 16, 2010
Daddy I love you.
SOPHIA POTIRIS
March 16, 2010
Perry Potiris (Potiriades) loved his hometown of Mason city - Our trips to Iowa always included a visit to his dear cousin Maria O'Brien - they grEWWte up together - Perry'sDHE WAS A PATRIIO ad George operated The Princess Cafe w/ hisd brother Ted . PGP was a graduate and staunlch booster of Univ of Iowa - we qttended every football gqme when Perry his dad ran Reich's Cafe in Iowa City. As a resstauranteur in Sacramento he received many awards for operating three restaurants successfully withn 1/2 mi. of each other . he was a boaRrd member of the California Restaurant Assn. nd received many awards ie: Manof the YEAR -LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD EDTC.R - HE WAS A PATRIOT - IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.
Michael Harrold
March 10, 2010
The Officers and Members of the Sacramento Lodge 40 Free & Accepted Masons join in extending heartfelt sympathy to Sophia and Brother Perry's entire family at this time of sorrow.
Perry Potiris was a Brother and long time member of Sacramento 40. It is with great sorrow that we hear of his death. May he rest in the house of the Lord forever.
Marti P
March 9, 2010
Daddy I miss you. I miss your big strong hands, warm smile, tender heart, random humor. I have been thinking about your "favorite things."
Dad's favorite song: Auld Lang Syne
Favorite pastime (aside from work)- chillin around the pool at the house w/ Yia Yia, watching Iowa Football or Kings Basketball.
Favorite foods-Meat n Potatoes, rice pudding, lamb w/ mint jelly, "dagwood" sandwich.
Favorite vacation-Greece or Santa Barbara, enjoying sun and "out to eat" with the family.
Dear god, how I wish I could turn back the hands of time.
Pat Burritt
March 8, 2010
I first met Perry when he was the maitre de at the Del Prado. My parents loved to go there to eat. We were some of the first customers through the door when he opened Mr. Perrys restaurant. I still eat there almost every day. He was a wonderful person and the customers all liked him very much. He cared about them and that is why he was so successful. He will be missed by many. My condolences to George,Sofie and the rest of the family
March 8, 2010
Mr. Perry was a wonderful father to my close friend George, he will be missed.
John Anderson
March 6, 2010
No matter where life has taken our family, we always hope to find another "Mr. Perry's" in our new location. Of course, we never do. Mr. Perry's was a one-of-a-kind place and Mr. Perry was a one-of-a-kind man. Thanks for giving the community a local place to come for good food at great prices, a place to celebrate birthdays and graduations, a place to touch base with family and old friends. We relish many memories of the restaurant, and, especially, of Mr. Perry walking through, checking on everything. Three generations of our family share these memories, and every one is sweet. We will miss you, Mr. Perry. Condolences to the Potiris family.
March 6, 2010
.Mr Perry employed my brother and I at the Truckadero restaurant in th late 70s. I will always remember him as a fair man and good to all of his workers. I worked in restaurants for a few years after and I always gauged my bosses to how Mr. Perry treated us. There was no compairison, he was the best. RIP my friend. E.G.Damian
Donna Fairchild
March 6, 2010
To the entire Potiris family, please accept our family's sincere sympathies on the loss of this remarkable man. Mr. Potiris was a genial host and often greeted us during our frequent visits to his restaurants, especially Mr. Perry's and Kallie's. His Masonic principles of respect, fairness, and value were hallmarks of every aspect of his three restaurants and the way he treated everyone.
Irene Vaughn
March 6, 2010
Mr. Perry was a very special man in sooo many ways. He will be greatly missed by all. I worked for Mr Perry and all my grandkids knew him and loved him always talking about the kids menu and how the colored pictures would go into his office cause he always told them they were the best. ( we all know where the pictures went but made my kids happy) Its funny how Mr Perrys was always a family place i know my family as many others miss him. There are so many storys we can all tell about this man and his family and funny as hell he will be missed and may he RIP Irene Vaughn
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