Thomas D. Eliades

Thomas "Tom" D. Eliades, 81, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at North Park Senior Living. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, with the Rev. George P. Pappas officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a Trisagion service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Tom was born April 3, 1932, in Langa, Greece, the son of Dan and Vasiliki (Zisou) Eliades. At the age of 18, under the sponsorship of his Theo (Uncle) John, he became the first of his family to come to the United States. He later returned the favor by sponsoring numerous family members to come to this country as they searched for a better life. Tom married Mary Diavastis on Oct. 19, 1958, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City. They had three children, Koula, John and Emmanuel "Mike". Tom helped Theo John at his restaurant until a fire destroyed it. He then worked various jobs to save money for his own business. Tom befriended the owner of Milwaukee Wiener House and in 1960, along with his brother-in-law, Gus Demetroulis, he took over the Milwaukee Wiener House. Tom co-owned and operated the popular restaurant for 40 years, retiring in 2000. Tom loved gardening, golfing, dancing, swapping jokes, following the stock market and going for a daily swim at the Siouxland Y. He was a true family man, happiest to be home grilling steaks on the deck, telling stories to his loved ones. He was Pappou (Grandpa) to everyone, not only his beloved grandchildren, but also the kids of Sunset Circle and all those who came into the restaurant. While he loved his Greek homeland, he was deeply patriotic toward America, knowing how the "land of opportunity" had been just that. He was a selfless person who always made sure those around him were taken care of before himself. Tom was active in his church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, where he was the parish treasurer for a number of years and was active in A.H.E.P.A. He was also a member of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, which recently honored him with a lifetime achievement award. Survivors include his wife, Mary; three children, Koula and Mark Legner of Saginaw, Mich., John and Gail Eliades of Merrill, Iowa, and Mike and Jennifer Kennelly Eliades of Sioux City; six grandchildren, Christina, Daniel, Alka, Thomas, Anna and Julia; three sisters, Penelope Premptis and Nitsa and Panayioti Kosmopoulos of Queens, N.Y., and Kostandina Siokis of Kastoria, Greece; a sister-in-law, Maria Eliades; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bill and Constantine. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at North Park Senior Living and Hospice of Siouxland for all the loving care and respect shown to Tom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.