Tom S. Akrivos

Athanasios S. Akrivos (Tom), age 91, feel asleep in the Lord on May 29, 2025. Tom was born in a small village in the mountains Vraha, Evrytania the 2nd son to Stavros and Vasilike. Tom was married to the late Constantina (Dina) Akrivos for 40 years. Preceded in death by his wife, father, mother and brothers. Older brother Kostantinos (Loukia), younger brothers Dimitri (Nafsika) and George (Anna). Tom is survived by his three children Vasilike (Roux), Eleni and eldest grandson Steven Roger, Steve (Jean) and grandsons Alex (Sara) and Nick. Tom was beloved known as Pappou by his children, grandchildren and friends.

As a young child, Pappou and family moved from Vraha to Anavra, Thessalia a village in the valley known for their agriculture. His family made a living as sheep herders and farmers. However, the German occupation of Greece during the Second World War and subsequent Greek Civil War (1946-49) made life in Greece difficult. In 1951, with the help of fellow Greek Americans, he was able to immigrate to Chicago, IL for a chance at a better life. Pappou moved to the Lincoln Park area near Diversey and Sheffield and immediately found St. George Greek Orthodox church which became a second home to him. In 1959, he went back to Greece and married Constantina from Karditsa, Thessalia. Tom returned to Chicago in 1960 with his new wife and as they were blessed with children, he immersed them in the Greek culture with Sunday school, Greek school, Greek parades, Greek festivals, Basketball, GOYA, Greek dancing and all that St. George could offer. Pappou insisted on only speaking Greek at home.

While in Chicago, Pappou was a hard worker and found jobs as a cook at various Greek restaurants throughout his lifetime. He helped sponsor relatives from Greece to Chicago including Dina's mother Dimitra, brother Taxas, sister Koula and his own youngest brother George. The Greek connection grew even stronger.

Pappou Tom enjoyed history, dancing, hunting and fixing things. He had a garden in the back yard with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and even grew a fig tree once with figs. Pappou loved his ouzo candy and koulorakia. He enjoyed hours with his buddies solving all the world's problems at McDonalds on Kedzie & Peterson or the Lincolnwood mall. He was a self-taught handy man and could fix just about anything. He truly enjoyed meeting people and learning a few words of their native language. Pappou Tom also made sure everyone knew at least one or two words in Greek. All the employees at McDonalds know how to properly greet a Greek person now. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Steven, Alex and Nick.

Pappou Tom will be missed by many. Kalo Taxidi Dad. We love you. Thank you for all the wonderful memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Greek American Nursing Home in Wheeling or St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago would be appreciated.

May his memory be eternal.

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