Chris Dimas Orland Park, Illinois Obituary

Chris Dimas

Chris Dimas, age 87, beloved husband for 65 years to Helen, (nee Faughn). Loving father of Andreas (Kristen) Dimas. Cherished papou of Nickolas, Sophia, Alexandra and Christos. Devoted son of the late Spiros Diamantopoulos (a.k.a. Dimas) and Eleni (nee Gianakopoulos). Dear brother of the late Georgia Dimas, Frances Dimas, Irene Tsilis, James Dimas, and Ethel Papajohn. Dear uncle of many nieces, nephews, and cousin to many, and friend to all. Chris was a proud graduate of Harper High School, and always looked forward to lunches, dinners, and beer trucks at the annual Harper HS Picnics in the McConkey Woods to play softball and horseshoes with his lifelong friends from the old neighborhood. Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Murray State University where he met the love of his life, Helen. Chris and Helen celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary with family in the last week of life, including his grandchildren. When asked if he would like roasted chicken or pizza, he replied a good piece of steak would be better. This was a cherished night for all present. Upon graduation from Murray State University, Chris served in the United States Army, stationed mostly at scenic Fort Leonard Wood, MO. It was here that he was able to further his career as a musician, playing in the Officer's Club most nights, after completion of boot camp. It was here he negotiated for privileged steak rations, to the extent that later in his stint, he began to request chicken and pizza, "because I just couldn't eat any more porterhouse." Upon completion of service with the United States Army, Chris continued his academic career by earning a Masters Degree in Music from Vandercook College of Music, and a PhD. from Syracuse University. Chris had many teaching jobs after graduation ranging from Crossville, Indiana as a band teacher, to Athens, Greece to Pasadena, CA for short periods of time, before finally settling in on sweet home Chicago with City Colleges of Chicago. His love of teaching Speech 101 to night school students at CCC frequently prompted him to ponder "I can't believe they pay me to do this." Chris was known to take his students on field trips to Vito & Nick's after mid-term finals, and sometimes before. Approximately 30 years of teaching Speech Class to others, guiding how to communicate articulately didn't prevent Chris from often asking his doting wife, Helen, if she "could be a sweetheart and bring that thing from over there, from behind the whatcha-ma-callit." Travel was a hobby for Chris. He and Helen traveled extensively, always "on a shoestring." Seeing the world, and often Devil's Lake, Wisconsin, never ceased to amaze and allow Chris to have appreciation for the cultures of others. Community Theater was another hobby for Chris, who was a 25+ year member of the Beverly Hills University Club (BHUC). He starred in many rolls, his favorite being Don Quixote in Man of LaMancha, along with 10+ years "in the pit" as the music conductor. His family often lovingly referred to him as a mad professor, with hair flying and baton waving. The goal of the non-for-profit organization was to offer partial college scholarships to deserving neighborhood students. This, and the lifelong friendships Chris gained from BHUC, brought him much happiness. He also later served on the original Board of Directors that was responsible for construction and opening of the Beverly Art Center. Of all the many aspects of Chris' life, too many to list, the roll Chris was most proud of was his family. Chris loved his wife, his son and daughter-in-law, his siblings, nieces, nephews, and especially his grandchildren. Chris and Helen's home was a frequent gathering place for family parties. Always proud of his Hellenic heritage, and when the lamb was roasting with its drippings on the potatoes on Easter Sunday, Chris would often state "there are those who are Greek today, and those who wish they were." Always proud of his Greek heritage, absolute love and appreciation of America, those who knew Chris well, understood that above all, he was true-Chicago, starting life on 63rd Street and beginning life eternal on 101st Street. May his memory be eternal. Visitation Saturday, February 8, 2020 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 10301 Kolmar Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 would be much appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400
July 2, 1932 - February 6, 202007/02/193202/06/2020
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Obituary

Chris Dimas, age 87, beloved husband for 65 years to Helen, (nee Faughn). Loving father of Andreas (Kristen) Dimas. Cherished papou of Nickolas, Sophia, Alexandra and Christos. Devoted son of the late Spiros Diamantopoulos (a.k.a. Dimas) and Eleni (nee Gianakopoulos). Dear brother of the late Georgia Dimas, Frances Dimas, Irene Tsilis, James Dimas, and Ethel Papajohn. Dear uncle of many nieces, nephews, and cousin to many, and friend to all. Chris was a proud graduate of Harper High School, and always looked forward to lunches, dinners, and beer trucks at the annual Harper HS Picnics in the McConkey Woods to play softball and horseshoes with his lifelong friends from the old neighborhood. Chris earned his undergraduate degree from Murray State University where he met the love of his life, Helen. Chris and Helen celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary with family in the last week of life, including his grandchildren. When asked if he would like roasted chicken or pizza, he replied a good piece of steak would be better. This was a cherished night for all present. Upon graduation from Murray State University, Chris served in the United States Army, stationed mostly at scenic Fort Leonard Wood, MO. It was here that he was able to further his career as a musician, playing in the Officer's Club most nights, after completion of boot camp. It was here he negotiated for privileged steak rations, to the extent that later in his stint, he began to request chicken and pizza, "because I just couldn't eat any more porterhouse." Upon completion of service with the United States Army, Chris continued his academic career by earning a Masters Degree in Music from Vandercook College of Music, and a PhD. from Syracuse University. Chris had many teaching jobs after graduation ranging from Crossville, Indiana as a band teacher, to Athens, Greece to Pasadena, CA for short periods of time, before finally settling in on sweet home Chicago with City Colleges of Chicago. His love of teaching Speech 101 to night school students at CCC frequently prompted him to ponder "I can't believe they pay me to do this." Chris was known to take his students on field trips to Vito & Nick's after mid-term finals, and sometimes before. Approximately 30 years of teaching Speech Class to others, guiding how to communicate articulately didn't prevent Chris from often asking his doting wife, Helen, if she "could be a sweetheart and bring that thing from over there, from behind the whatcha-ma-callit." Travel was a hobby for Chris. He and Helen traveled extensively, always "on a shoestring." Seeing the world, and often Devil's Lake, Wisconsin, never ceased to amaze and allow Chris to have appreciation for the cultures of others. Community Theater was another hobby for Chris, who was a 25+ year member of the Beverly Hills University Club (BHUC). He starred in many rolls, his favorite being Don Quixote in Man of LaMancha, along with 10+ years "in the pit" as the music conductor. His family often lovingly referred to him as a mad professor, with hair flying and baton waving. The goal of the non-for-profit organization was to offer partial college scholarships to deserving neighborhood students. This, and the lifelong friendships Chris gained from BHUC, brought him much happiness. He also later served on the original Board of Directors that was responsible for construction and opening of the Beverly Art Center. Of all the many aspects of Chris' life, too many to list, the roll Chris was most proud of was his family. Chris loved his wife, his son and daughter-in-law, his siblings, nieces, nephews, and especially his grandchildren. Chris and Helen's home was a frequent gathering place for family parties. Always proud of his Hellenic heritage, and when the lamb was roasting with its drippings on the potatoes on Easter Sunday, Chris would often state "there are those who are Greek today, and those who wish they were." Always proud of his Greek heritage, absolute love and appreciation of America, those who knew Chris well, understood that above all, he was true-Chicago, starting life on 63rd Street and beginning life eternal on 101st Street. May his memory be eternal. Visitation Saturday, February 8, 2020 at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 10301 Kolmar Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:30 a.m. Burial will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 10301 Kolmar Avenue Oak Lawn, IL 60453 would be much appreciated. Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400

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Events

Feb
08
Visitation
Saturday, February 08 2020
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
10301 Kolmar Avenue
OAK LAWN, IL 60453
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Feb
08
Service
Saturday, February 08 2020
11:30 AM
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
10301 Kolmar Avenue
OAK LAWN, IL 60453
Get Directions
View MapTextEmail