Steve "Stelios" Gavas

Steve was born in Achladokampos, Tripoli, Greece to Stylianos and Stamatina (nee:Portia) Gavas. He lived in Greece until he was 17 and then immigrated to Chicago with his father. Shortly thereafter, his mother and two brothers joined them stateside. In Chicago, they worked at various restaurants around the metropolitan area gaining the business knowledge and experience necessary to run a successful restaurant. After eight years of planning, they decided to make their goal of owning a restaurant a reality. They visited several cities and fell in love with Ann Arbor, which welcomed Greek cuisine. On January 18, 1975 they opened The Parthenon Restaurant at the corner of Main Street and Liberty, introducing Ann Arbor to authentic Greek gyros and homemade Greek dishes. The Parthenon’s Greek Salad Dressing was sold nationally beginning in 1988.

When Steve was not working hard to make the restaurant successful he enjoyed home improvement, anything from carpentry to plumbing to electrical. Known and remembered for his selfless acts of generosity to those around him, Steve always had a smile on his face. His greatest joy was his family who he loved dearly.

Steve is the loving father of Matina Kakar (Ravi), Catherine Lee (Ross), Chris Gavas (Nicole). Cherished pappou of Niam Kakar, Mina Kakar, James Lee, Corrina Lee and Easton Gavas. Caring brother of George Gavas, John Gavas (Anna).

Family will receive friends from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. A Funeral Service will be at 11:00am on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Funeral Home. Visitation on Thursday will begin at 10:30am.