Petros Patos, 23, fell asleep on July 18, 2021, and woke up in the arms of God.

Petros' greatest gift was his infinite capacity to love and be loved in return. His wide smile and warm brown eyes exuded acceptance of everyone who crossed his path. He welcomed all into his heart. He broke down barriers wherever he went, whether in the north suburban special education classes where he excelled; or in walks around his Glenview neighborhood with his mother, Eleni, who made sure he introduced himself to everyone and devoted herself to his every need.

Petros was an enthusiastic musician; he sang loudly and enthusiastically and was willing to give any instrument a try. Consequently, others around him became less self-conscious and joined in the fun. By example, Petros taught them to worry less and enjoy themselves more. Just sing, Petros seemed to say, and everything else will take care of itself.

Petros also was surrounded by a close-knit community at St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines and Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, which immersed him in the traditions of his faith and showered him with attention and affection. And Petros was treasured by his family, which doted on and protected him even as they drew strength from his effortless gift for joy – no matter how hard the struggle or difficult the day.

They will carry Petros' joy with them always. They thank God he was theirs to cherish for 23 years, most especially his loving mother Eleni Patos nee Spiropoulos; father Dr. Demetrios (Nora) Patos; grandmother Dimitra Spiropoulos nee Atsaves; dear half-sister Despina Patos; and dearest aunts and uncles Despina, Sam, Gus, Maria (George), and Patty (Nick).

Petros is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather the late George Spiropoulos and his paternal grandparents the late Despina and Petros Patos.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 22, 2021 from 4PM-8PM at Nelson Funeral Home, 820 W. Talcott, Park Ridge, IL. The funeral service will be Friday, July 23, 2021, at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 E. Dempster St., Des Plaines, IL. You may watch remotely as John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church will livestream the funeral service. Please click here to view the livestream or type in the following link on your web browser: https://youtu.be/04u-C5otSfQ . Interment to follow at Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Eleni Patos would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.

May His Memory Be Eternal.