GEORGE BILIDAS

BILIDAS George Steven Bilidas (Age 86) A successful Greek restaurateur and Northern Virginia entrepreneur died peacefully Saturday November 12, 2016. George, together with his brother-in-law, Louis Cholakis, turned an immigrant's dream into a successful restaurant business emulating the New York style diner concept that provided his initial employment in the United States. The Amphora Restaurant was one of the earliest eateries in Vienna, VA and the only 24 hour restaurant of its time. Today, nearly 40 years later, the Amphora restaurant remains a Vienna landmark, attracting both new and long-time customers. The Amphora empire has grown to include the Amphora Bakery in Vienna, Amphora Catering, as well as the Amphora Diner and Bakery in Herndon. Bilidas loved being around people. His constant presence on the floor and engaging personality made all patrons feel like part of the family. When he was not visiting tables at Amphora, he enjoyed spending time with his large extended family, the lifelong company of friends and traveling the globe. With the help of his maternal uncle, young George, at the age of 21, emigrated to the United States from the small village of Magoula outside Sparta, Greece. He worked tirelessly in his early years to help support his family and pay for his three sisters' dowries. He later successfully brought his family to America. George had the good fortune of seeing his sister, Athena, marry his best friend with whom he partnered early on to operate Rolling Road Restaurant in Vienna and The Lake Ann Inn in Reston. Bilidas never lost touch with his roots in Greece or his Greek Orthodox faith. He visited his ancestral home often through the years to connect with both family and friends. His generous contributions and fundraising efforts helped Assilon Aniaton, a center for special needs in Magoula, St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the advancement of Hellenism and orthodoxy in America as a member of the Leadership 100. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Bess Bilidas; son, Steve Bilidas (Denise); six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and sister, Eugenia. Relatives and friends are invited to George's Life Celebration at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Sunday, November 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. A Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041 on Monday, November 21 at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church. Online condolences and fond memories of George may be offered to the family at: www.moneyandking.comwww.moneyandking.com