Polyhronis 'Paul" Avramopoulos

Polyhronis “Paul” Avramopoulos

Born: January 20 th , 1930

Died: October 26 th , 2024

Paul Avramopoulos, husband, father and grandfather, peacefully fell asleep in the Lord at his

home in Rockford, IL, at the age of 94 after a long, beautiful, well-lived life

Born in the village of Krioneri, Olymbias, Greece, he grew up with his two younger brothers,

learning to work hard from a young age. After his military service, he moved to Athens where

he worked as a Bus Conductor.

Married to his beloved wife of 62 years, Angeliki (Papadopoulos), at the Greek Orthodox Church

of Saint Spyridon in Pangrati, Athens, Greece they established a beautiful home in the Athens

suburb of Vyrona, Nea Elvetia. After numerous years living in Athens, his brother Vasili

convinced him to immigrate to the United States to start a business together.

Thus, Paul immigrated to the United State with his wife and two eldest sons, George and Peter,

following in the footsteps of thousands of immigrants before him. Arriving in New York City, by

boat, on April 28, 1967, he came in pursuit of the American Dream. They settled in Rockford, IL

where he built a legacy founded in hard work, perseverance, and deep commitment to his

family and faith. He and his family created for themselves a community in Rockford amongst

the other Greek families and built many life-long friendships.

Paul was a dedicated businessman, known in Rockford for his restaurants, Pete’s Snack Shop

and the Potato Shak. Through these establishments, he created a welcoming atmosphere for

his community, where patrons not only enjoyed good food, but also found friendship and

hospitality. His restaurants became cherished gathering places, where he greeted everyone

with a warm and infectious smile and treated them just like family. He took great pride in

creating a place where customers and friends shared stories over coffee. Even in his

retirement, he was always present to offer a good word or a helping hand.

A man of strong faith, Paul was actively involved in his Greek Orthodox community of Saints

Constantine and Helen, instilling the values of faith, tradition, and service in his children and

grandchildren. His unwavering optimism inspired everyone around him. He is remembered for

his humility, kindness, generosity, hard work and enduring spirit, which touched the lives of all

who knew him.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother Panagiota (Famelos) Avramopoulos, his father,

George Avramopoulos, his brother the Rev. Fr. Athanasios Avramopoulos and sister in law

Presvytera Demetra (Famelos) Avramopoulos.

Survived by his loving wife, Angeliki, three sons, George Avramopoulos, Peter (Rosa)

Avramopoulos, Rev. Fr Chris (Presvytera Nicole) Avramopoulos, daughter Maria (James) Kemp

and two beautiful granddaughters Ruby and Ivy Kemp; who will carry forward his legacy of love,

humility and resilience. He is also survived by his brother Vasilios (Ana) Avramis, numerous

nieces, nephews, a wonderful goddaughter and beloved friends. He will be deeply missed, but

forever remembered in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. May his

memory be eternal!

Services for Paul will take place all in one day on Friday, November 1 st , 2024 at Saints

Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 108 N. 5 th St. Rockford, IL 61107, where all friends

and relatives can gather for visitation from 11:30am-12:30pm. Funeral services will begin at

12:30pm, immediately following the visitation. Paul will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery

1011 Auburn St., Rockford, IL 61103. In lieu of flowers, the Avramopoulos family kindly asks

that you make a memorial donation in Paul’s name to Saints Constantine & Helen Greek

Orthodox Church in Rockford, IL.