Obituary of Gus Bacogeorge

Gus George Bacogeorge, Best known for his "Famous Fried Squash" and "Fresh My Farm" vegetables, local restauranteur Constantine "Gus" George Bacogeorge entered into eternal rest Monday, June 14, 2010, surrounded by family. Gus was a kind, generous and honorable man. He was a man of strong conviction, steadfast in his beliefs, and fearless in defending his view of what's right and best for those he loved most. Gus was loved by his many customers who admired his passion for fresh healthy food, served for many years at his award winning Monroe Road restaurant, Gus' Sir Beef. Born May 21, 1923 in post WWI Greece in Daphne, Evrytania, Gus developed a deep commitment for God, country, and family which he brought with him to America. He was orphaned at an early age and raised by his older brothers and surrounding family. As a young man, Gus served in the Athenian Police Force with assignment to special protective services. Immigrating to the US in 1957, he entered the restaurant business and after only a few years purchased Johny's Grill in Charlotte, NC. He married Calliope "Clara" Thrace Fokakis of Wilmington, NC and started a family?welcoming sons George and Thrace, and daughter Lisa-Leigh. One of his proudest moments was becoming an American Citizen and having the privilege of contributing to the community he would call home. His restaurant Gus' Sir Beef on Monroe Road, opened its doors in November of 1969, and today still features his own view of a healthy Mediterranean diet including a hearty 'meat-and-two' plate, fresh fruits, and banana pudding. Initially buying produce from local farmers, Gus later purchased an 18 acre farm on Hargett Road to grow his "Fresh My Farm" greens and squash, along with a variety of other "farm fresh" vegetables. Gus was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Charlotte where he was a contributor toward the construction of the Hellenic Hall and a member of AHEPA. He was a passionate supporting member of the Elatos, Chapter 4 of the Evrytanian Association of America, later serving multiple terms as the chapter's President. In seeking to develop a stronger sense of community for his Church and Greek family, he spearheaded the development of Elatos Park in Wesley Chapel, NC as a Greek community gathering place. He organized the first picnic there, later raising money for the construction of the outdoor entertainment building as the needs for Elatos Park grew. Inspired by a dream, he worked to fund and build the chapel of Panagia Prousiotissa now located on the park grounds. In his later years, Gus enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports...and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. He frequently returned to the restaurant, now run by his sons, to greet customers, and mentor the staff. He will be dearly missed, and always remembered. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Clara Bacogeorge, son George and wife Michele, son Thrace, daughter Lisa Leigh Schwartz and husband Jeff, grandchildren Caleigh and Costan Bacogeorge, Stratton Bacogeorge, and Lea and Evan Schwartz: his sister Maria Mitsakis of Greece, and many more nieces and nephews both in Charlotte and in Greece. He was preceded in death by his four brothers Dimitri, Seraphim, Vangeli and Christos. The Trisagion (prayer service) will be Thursday evening at 7:00 PM at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral,. The funeral service will be 2:00 PM Friday, June 18, 2010 at the Cathedral. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Holy Trinity Ministry Fund, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203, the St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church Iconography Fund, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270-0269, and the Panagia Prousiotissa at the Elatos Park Building Fund in Wesley Chapel, NC, c/o Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.