Sotiris "Sam" Kyres

Sotiris “Sam” Kyres, age 86 of Crown Point, IN (formerly of Merrillville), passed away on September 27, 2017. Sam was born in Nestani, Greece and immigrated to Northwest Indiana in 1951. He fell in love with the United States and shortly thereafter with his lifelong partner, Despina (Nina) Morgan. He was employed at US Steel for 30 years. Together with Nina, they owned and operated The Village Snack Shop in Gary, IN and the Odyssey Restaurant in Merrillville, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andreas and Christina Kyres, loving wife, Nina and sister, Maria. He is survived by his children; Andrew S. Kyres of Crown Point, IN, Maria (Larry) Pavlou of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren Melanie and Spiro Pavlou; brothers, Gust, (Vassilike) Kyres of Rutherfordton, NC, Tom (Pamy) Kyres of Crown Point, IN, sisters, Betty (Gus) Romas of Orland Park, IL, and Petroula (Kosta) Galani of Greece; sisters-in-law Bessie (late Elias) Gazis of Des Plaines, IL and Joan Irene Kolozenski (late Edmund) of Merrillville, IN; caregivers Michelle & John Kelly and Denise Nelson, as well as many nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends. Sam was an active member and Past President of the Parish Council of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. In addition, Sam was an active member of the Merrillville Kiwanis. Sam was a dedicated member of the Gary/Merrillville Order of AHEPA Chapter #78, serving as Chapter President, Board of Governors, and District Governor for Indiana District 12. He was especially proud to have a leadership role in the AHEPA 78 Senior Apartments in Merrillville serving on the Board of Directors and overseeing the construction and development of six phases. Sam’s heart was as big as his smile. He was the life of a party and will be remembered for his Greek Tsamiko dancing. Sam loved spending time with his grandchildren, watching the Chicago Blackhawks, bowling and playing poker with his AHEPA brothers and friends, and meeting with his Tuesday morning breakfast group. He was also a huge World War II enthusiast and active in local politics. Friends may visit with Sam’s family on Sunday, October 1st from 12- 6 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, with an AHEPA prayer service at 2:30 p.m. and a Trisagion Service at 3:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, IN, with Reverend Fathers Theodore Poteres, George Pappas, Sam Dimitriou, and William Conjelko officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral or a charity of your choice. www.burnsfuneral.com

Sotiris "Sam" Kyres

November 22, 1930 - September 27, 2017