Obituary of Sam Keretsis

Sam Dennis Keretsis Mr. Keretsis, 84, of Charlotte died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. He was born December 4, 1924 son of the late Dennis and Stavroula Tsiros Keretsis in Fithakia, Evrytania, Greece. In 1951 he immigrated to the United States and settled in Fayetteville, NC. Sam married his wife of 56 years, Helen Pistolis Keretsis in 1953 and in 1955 the family moved to Charlotte. Mr. Keretsis owned and operated numerous restaurants in the city. Sam was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. In addition to his parents Mr. Keretsis was preceded in death by his son, Steve Keretsis in 1970 and brothers, Stavros, Stephanos and Tom Keretsis. Surviving in addition to his wife are his son, Chris Keretsis and wife, Alexandria; daughter, Roula Economos and husband, Robert; sister, Stephania Stambolitis all of Charlotte, NC; three granddaughters, Ellen, Christina and Samantha. Also surviving are two sisters and a brother in Greece and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service for Mr. Keretsis will be held Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral with Father Efstathios Varvarelis, Father Tommy Vlahos and Father Tommy Pistolis officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The Trisagion will be held at the Cathedral Monday evening, June 29, at 7:00 PM. Pallbearers for the service will be Dino Stambolitis, Dean and Peter Keretsis, Tommy G. Pistolis, Dennis Pistolis, Tommy S. Pistolis, John Tsiatsios and Jim Allgood. Memorials may be made to The Cathedral Foundation or Panagia Proussiotisa Elatos in care of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203