Stylianos “Stanley” Bazianos, age 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 29th. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Sophia (née Geroulis). Loving father of Zachary (Petroula), Dino (Kathy), and William (Patrice). Proud grandfather of Sofia Ana, Stephan, Steven, Harrison, Daniel and Leah Bazianos. Dearest Brother of Konstantina (the late George) Marinakis, the late Demetra (the late Likourgos) Lymberakis, the late Peter (Tasia) Bazianos and the late Stavroula (Nick) Poggas. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Godfather and friend to many.
Stanley was born in the village of Perdikovrisi Kastri-Kynourias in Greece in 1932 to Zacharias and Maria Bazianos. He immigrated to the United States in 1951. Greece at that time had been ravaged by WWII and a civil war, and he came to Chicago determined to help the family he left behind and carve out a better life in his new home. For the remainder of his life Stanley never forgot where he came from and proudly wore his identity as a Greek immigrant. But he was equally proud of being a resident and eventual citizen of the United States, and loved this country as much as the one in which he was born.
Being a young immigrant with ambitions meant working hard and taking advantage of any opportunities that came his way. After paying his dues as a waiter and busboy at the Chicago Hilton, Stanley opened a few restaurants and eventually started Sophie’s on South State Street alongside his beloved late brother, Peter. The business demanded long hours and many sacrifices, but Stanley didn’t mind because it allowed him and his wife to send their sons to college. With his own limited education, he considered higher education to be the true American dream.
Stanley faced his long-term battle with Parkinson’s with courage, humor and great optimism. No matter what was happening he was always positive. He would say, “If you are ok, I am good”.
Stanley always had a big love for life and a generous spirit, and Parkinson’s could not take that away from him. And he appreciated what life had given him, especially the wonderful grandchildren he cherished more than anything. His richest moments were sitting under the “klimataria” with his kids and grandkids at his Lincoln Square home.
Visitation will be Friday, November 4th from 9:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 West Winona Street, Chicago, IL 60625. The service may be viewed live or recorded at St. Demetrios’ Youtube channel. Interment will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, IL.
In Stanley’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 West Winona Street, Chicago, IL 60625. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. (847) 375-0095.
May his memory be eternal.