Obituary of Gus Stratos

Gus Stratos died peacefully at his home on Monday January 23, 2012. He was 92 years old. Born in Pryce Utah, to Greek immigrants, later moving to Davenport, where he began his love for the beach, and the Santa Cruz area. After finishing school he moved to San Francisco where he began his career in the shoe industry. It was in San Francisco where he met and fell in love with the love of his life Elaine, who sadly preceded him in death in 2010. They were married 66 years. They lived raised their 2 daughters Kathie, and Toni in Visalia California, before moving back to Santa Cruz, California, where Gus would often say, "People come here for vacation, and we live here, we are so lucky!" Gus touched so many people with his enormous sense of humor, his infectious smile and laugh, along with his love for life. Gus had a special way of making you feel both loved and special. He was young at heart, uncluttered by mean thoughts or actions. He lived an active life, traveling to Greece and Hawaii, and water aerobics 3 times a week for 33 years. He was a member of SIRS, ELKS and volunteered at Grey Bears He had a daily routine of walking downtown, to get a bite, or just people watch. He loved Pacific Ave, and its people. He loved visiting Vasilis at the Greek restaurant often for lunch. He also loved the San Francisco Giants, going to games at ATT Park with his friend Chuck Giubbini. He loved his family, his daughters Kathie McCandless, Toni Stratos, both of Santa Cruz. He had enormous pride and love for his beautiful granddaughters, Rocquel Chagolla of Watsonville, Rhea Hadzis of Athens Greece, Aleka Hadzis of Santa Cruz, and for his great grandchildren Hailey, Maddie, Conner Chagolla and a very special love and bond to Yorgo Hadzis and Carlos Chagolla. He was adored by his nieces and nephews, and he was a constant joker. He filled a room with his own sense of humor, he filled the hearts of all that knew him, he brightened our days, our lives and he will be so deeply missed, we love you "Daddy, Grampy," Uncle Gus, and Gus. Funeral Services will be at Prophet Elias Orthodox Greek Church 223 Church Street Santa Cruz, California on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:00am. There will be a visitation Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 4pm - 7pm at Santa Cruz Memorial~ Mission Chapel 1927 Ocean Street Santa Cruz, California; the Trisagion will follow at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in Gus's memory to Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church 223 Church Street Santa Cruz, California 95060.