Steve "Stavros" Zahariadis

Beloved husband of Theodora Zahariadis (nee Karatzas) of 60 years.  Loving father and father-in-law of George and Frances Zahariadis.  Caring grandfather of Stavro and Frankie Zahariadis.  Brother of Efterpi (Ioannis) Tsanais and Haralambos (Erini) Zahariadis of Greece.  Brother-in-law to Kalliopi (Demetrios) Dukas, Maria (Stellios) Kremmidas, Antonis (Stefania) Karatzas, and Eleni Bousies.  Dear uncle and Godfather of many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren.  Preceded in death by his parents, Giorgios and Adriana (nee Sklavenitis) Zahariadis.

Steve was born in Nikaia, Piraeus, Greece.  It was there, 12 years later, that he met the love of his life, Theodora, also twelve years old.  They grew up in the same neighborhood and were childhood sweethearts.  They married at 20 years old and soon after had their son, George. 

 In 1967, Steve took his family and immigrated to the United States where he began working at Republic Steel while living in Hegewisch near many loved ones.  He later became employed as a union painter and retired as a foreman at Tiffany Painting Company.  One of his proudest work moments was painting the antennas on top of the Sears Tower! 

Steve was a very hard worker who never complained.  At 14 years of age, he was already working as a welder and became a master welder soon after.  He was a mild-mannered man and known as a χρυσοχερης(hands of gold).  He could do carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, welding, and anything else he put his mind to.  He always looked for a project around the house or yard and loved helping others with their projects as well. 

During his spare time Steve loved watching his favorite soccer team, Olympiakos.  He also loved to garden and grow fruit trees, enjoyed fishing, playing biriba with his wife and family, and spending summers in Greece.

Most of all, Steve enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons who were his pride and joy.  He would go to extremes to make them laugh and make them happy in every way possible.  He never missed any of their games and was always sitting front and center to proudly cheer them on.  You could hear him a mile away!

Steve was a member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Hegewisch (Chicago, IL). 

He will truly be missed by all.  May his memory be eternal.

Friends may visit with Steve’s family at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023 until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. directly at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 13631 S. Brainard Avenue, Chicago, IL.