Alexander Alex Petrou

To Alexander Petrou, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Alex, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a joke or a raised eyebrow. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Alex really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

His parents were Peter and Avthokia Mavraganis Petrou. Alex was born in Korinth, Greece and was raised there. Even as a child, Alex had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He needed that ability when his father passed away. He was only 11 years old. In the midst of WWII with Greece occupied, Alex felt that he now had the responsibility for his family. He grew up very quickly, helping to provide for his family at that tender young age. That is where his optimism, drive and adaptability came into focus.

Due to a generous dose of common sense, Alex managed to find a good solution to basic problems, which he found from time to time as he was raised with two sisters, Kiki and Tenia.

He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and an enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Alex experienced a rather active childhood, working and playing. He took part in soccer and track & field as a javelin thrower. He was also a Boy Scout where he could be in the great outdoors and go fishing.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Alex very easy to approach. Alex found the perfect partner in Nafsica Tzanni. The two met as children and after a long friendship, married in 1961.

Perhaps the reason Alex related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Alex and Nafsica were blessed with three sons, Peter, Anton, and Tom. They were also blessed with eleven grandchildren Stephanie, Alexander, Christopher, Nicholas, Anthony, Andrew, Jonathan, Dylan, Matthew, Daniel, and Christina. He was a mentor to his sons, teaching them all he knew about mechanics and carpentry.

At work, as in life, Alex was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Alex's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Alex as an excellent problem solver and a great partner.

His primary occupation was also his passion. Alex loved to be around people and loved to cook, so restaurateur was a perfect profession for him. Whether it was managing the LH Inn in Mishawaka or Magnums Chateau night club in Lyons, Illinois, his personality kept people coming back. He and his wife also owned and operated a beautiful restaurant called Ice House in Mishawaka, Indiana. They later owned and operated The Cavalier Family Restaurant in Justice, Illinois.

Alex was proud to be a veteran of the U. S. Army. He joined the Army shortly after immigrating to the United States in 1950 from his homeland of Greece. Alex was stationed in San Francisco, California and later at Ft. Bliss, Texas, serving during and after the Korean War. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Corporal E4 and was commended as a gunnery expert.

Alex enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in “do it yourself” projects. A “hands on” type, Alex liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were working on cars, carpentry and remodeling. He loved to involve the entire family which is why his sons can cook, swap an engine out of a car and finish a basement.

Alex felt excited and challenged by sports. In high school, Alex played soccer and ran track. As an older adult, Alex was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events. Tops on his list were football, the Bears and Colts as well as boxing.

Vested with a deep love of the church, Alex recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of SS Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Palos Hills, Illinois for many years. During that time, he sang in the church choir along with his wife.

Alex loved to travel and to visit new and different places. His favorite vacations included many family road trips, going to the Wisconsin Dells, Rocky Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. Also, very memorable to Alex was the first family trip to the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Alex believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 2005, Alex took it in stride as one more way to have fun. In retirement, he found new pleasure in relaxing and talking politics with his friends whom he regularly met with at the mall.

Alex passed away on December 2, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family after fighting a brave battle against cancer.

Alex brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for life with his friends and family. Alexander Petrou lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

Alexander Petrou, beloved husband for 50 years of Nafsica, nee Tzanni, devoted father of Peter (Cheryl), Anton (Debra) and Tom (Jackie); cherished pappou of 11 (Stephanie, Alexander, Christopher, Nicholas, Anthony, Andrew, Johnathan, Dylan, Matthew, Daniel and Christina); dear brother of Tenia and Kiki; dear uncle of many. US Army veteran of the Korean War. During his life, Alexander followed his passion as a lifelong restaurateur. Visitation Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 4-8 pm at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home, 11333 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn, with Trisagion Service at 6:00 pm. Family and Friends to meet for Funeral Service at 10:00 am on Monday, December 6, 2010 at SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 11025 S. Roberts Rd, Palos Hills. Interment Chapel Hill Gardens South Cemetery. For additional information, call the funeral home at 708-636-1200.

Please check back in the coming days for a more complete obituary and photographs.