Konstantinos (Gus) Palaiologos, age 92 of Munster, Indiana passed away on Monday, September 16. Born on October 20, 1931 to Theodoros and Paraskevi Palaiologos in Lidoriki, Phocis, Greece, he was the eldest of five children growing up during World War II and the Greek Civil War. During those hard times, and after losing a sister and his mother, in 1951, Gus sailed on the Queen Elizabeth I into New York Harbor, and moved to East Chicago, Indiana where his uncle Demetrios (James) Paleologos sponsored his immigration. He married his wife Katherine (nee Monos) in 1958, started a family, and moved to Munster a few years later.
Gus worked for the Inland Steel Company for 30 years. Upon retiring from Inland, he went on to work for another 16 years at the well-known Riccardo’s on Rush Street in Chicago, Illinois, where he met people from all walks of life including news reporters, government officials, and celebrities. He was an active member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church for 70 years, working the grills at parish festivals and serving the community in many other capacities. He was also a skilled gardener who enjoyed growing fruits and vegetables, and tending to his yard. He spent his latter days visiting with relatives and friends at his church and at Highland Gyros.
Gus is survived by his daughters Vivienne and Elaine, his sisters Asimina (Petros+) Rellou, and Maria (Nick) Angelos, sister-in-law Konstantina Palaiologou, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Katherine, his parents, sister (also named) Maria and brother Athanasios. May his memory be eternal.
Visitation and Funeral Service Thursday September 19 directly at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Schererville at 10:00 AM. Friends are invited to visit with Gus’ family on Thursday at church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. At rest Ridgelawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church are appreciated.
