It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Chris Athanasopoulos, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and godfather, who died peacefully at the age of 84 on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Chris Athanasopoulos was born on April 20, 1941 in Patras, Greece to George and Anastacia Athanasopoulos. Chris often talked of how difficult his first years of life were being born during World War II and the German occupation of Greece, but how lucky he and his family were to have some basic necessities for survival like a goat for milk and friends who would come down from the mountains to give his family bread. Until the day he died, he was never able to throw bread away, he always gave it to the birds if it couldn't be finished, a constant reminder of his upbringing during the war; it is a lesson that has been instilled in all of his children. He would talk of fond memories post war, one in particular that included a soccer ball he would get from his Nouna for St. Basil's day, instantly becoming a neighborhood hero showing up with his new ball for all his friends to play with. He also reminisced of going to the village in Greece. He very recently shared a memory of when he would go to the village, he would sleep under the stars with his cousins, barefoot and happy; he used to say "we had no money, so we made glue out of olive oil and honey" in order to catch the birds, a favorite childhood pastime of his.

Upon immigrating to Chicago in 1955, Chris began a new chapter with his parents and his younger sister, Spyridoula (Roula). He received an education and ended up graduating from the University of Chicago with a masters degree.  He spent the bulk of his career in the aerospace industry as a chemist, then a sales representative, and finally working his way to marketing director of various aerospace companies.

He married Andriana (Ann) Kapsis on January 12, 1969, which also happened to be Superbowl Sunday. Though his friends weren't exactly pleased about the choice in date, the celebration was wonderful and joyous. They lived a long, full and happy life together, having celebrated 56 years of marriage this past January. Together, Chris and Ann had 3 children: Anastacia (Stacie), Angela (Kiki), and George.

Chris was an active member in various church communities and Greek Orthodox boards. He endeavored and became a founding member of the Greek Independence Day Parade held in Chicago each year on Halsted Street. He also helped to establish the Greek School at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles, Illinois.

For those that knew Chris, they knew he was a well traveled man.  The main part of his career was spent on airplanes, but he loved every minute. Some of his favorite travel destinations included Singapore, Portugal, France, Italy and his most obvious love, Greece. He wholeheartedly embraced travel as part of his life. Chris traveled the world, and always talked about the places he had been and people he had met, and of course, the food he had eaten. Not afraid to offer an opinion or ask a question to any chef or waiter in any restaurant in any country, he learned a great deal and became an excellent cook himself.

Additionally, Chris was a man of many words, a storyteller one might say. He loved to engage in conversations about travel, cooking, politics, Greece, finance, work, just about anything. He always had a story to share and an ear that listened. He was also always the person you went to when you "needed a guy" for something because he had a guy for everything - be it an electrician, a plumber, a financial advisor, a contractor, a United Airlines premier executive phone number, Chris was the guy you went to because he truly knew everyone and his advice was always sage. His extroverted and charismatic nature shone through his whole life.

Above all, he was a man that loved fiercely and was very proud of his family. He wore his emotions on his sleeve and was proud of the life that he was able to create and establish for his family. He was not only an incredible father to his 3 children, but also a father figure to other loved ones, opening his heart and arms to all that were near and dear to him.

Chris will be remembered for his love, loyalty, storytelling and generosity. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and all who knew him.

Chris is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Stacie, daughter Kiki (Mike), son George, grandchildren Christopher and Andrew, sister Roula (Chris), brother-in-law John, sister-in-law Kathy (Dean), and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, and cousins in Greece.

Lying in-State will be held Wednesday, November 26th, 11:15 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service 12:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Des Plaines, IL, followed by interment at Town of Maine Cemetery, Park Ridge. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Misericordia. Donations may be made online: https://support.misericordia.com For notification of donation, you may use 820 W. Talcott Road, Park Ridge IL 60068.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the doctors and caregivers that helped to give Chris a good quality of life so that he could continue to enjoy his family and friends for as long as he was able.

For information, call 847-823-5122.