Alexander Panos

Born in Hlomo, Epirus from where he escaped communism with his sister and mother while fighting in the underground movement in Greece. He immigrated to Chicago, Illinois in 1946, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 59 years. As a patriotic American, he sponsored friends and family to come to the country. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and open arms to his in-laws who he embraced as his own brothers and sisters.

He owned the Beef and Barrel restaurant since 1972 and The Acropolis Gyro Restaurant since 1989, where he was lovingly called "Papa Bear". At the restaurants, he never turned away a hungry person in need. He happily worked seven days a week to provide for the family he loved.

Alexander was also involved with the community. He played a major role in the development of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson and its AHEPA Chapter. As a past president of AHEPA, he was instrumental in establishing a scholarship program. For years he also cooked turkeys every Thanksgiving for the Tucson Association for the Blind. He also taught at the University Of Arizona Department Of Agriculture and instilled the love of learning in his grandchildren, who have all pursued higher education.

Papouli passed away, in the home he built, with Yiayia, the way he always wished. He was blessed to be able to see his whole family before his passing, he left knowing his family loved him as much as he loved them.

Proceeded in death by his parents Spyros and Efthalia. Survived by his loving wife, Garifalia (Carry/Mama Bear); his daughters Thalia (John) , Theodora Korte, Paraskevi (Mark) Valentine; the Grandchildren he adored, Giorgo, Alexia (Andy), Arriana, Anastasia, Christopher, Alexander, Marko, Thalia, Niko; and Great-Grandchild Alessabetta; his sister Olga (Anthony) Gribizis; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in his name.

There will be a viewing on Friday, September 28 from 6pm to 8pm and the at Trisagion service will be held at 7pm at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 29 at 10 am at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, officiated By Father Demetrios-Earl Cantos. Grave Side service immediately following at East Lawn Memorial Park.