Harris "Bob" George Cairo

“Bob”

1923-2011

Our beloved father, grandfather (Papou), brother and uncle, Harris “Bob” Cairo, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2011.

Bob was born June 13, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah to George E. and Virginia D. Cairo. He graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City. Bob attended college and played football at the University of Utah before enlisting in the military and serving in World War II. While in the service, Bob competed as an amateur boxer. After the war, Bob and his brother Looie became owners of the Twilite Lounge located in the back of the Beehive Cafe, their family’s downtown Salt Lake restaurant. Bob married Leni Maragakis in June 1957, and the two spent the next 52 years raising their family and owning and operating the Twilite together.

Bob was the perfect picture of a professional bartender, using his quick wit, gentlemanly charm and uncanny ability to engage in conversation to turn many a Twilite patron into long time familial regulars. For over 60 years, Bob combined these skills with his traits as a tough boss and shrewd businessman to establish the Twilite Lounge as a Salt Lake institution. Many have fond memories of the Cairo Special sandwiches, and of Bob sitting with the “regulars” at the corner of the bar with his pipe in his mouth and his coffee in hand. Outside of work Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Bob is survived by daughter Saundra “Saunee” Cairo, Salt Lake City; son Georgie H. Cairo, Salt Lake City; daughter Angela (Michael) Petrogeorge, Salt Lake City; grandchildren Zachary, Jonathan and Victoria Petrogeorge, Salt Lake City; sister Mary Cairo Karavites, Denver; in-laws Mike and Sylvia Varanakis; in-laws Lou and Mary Thiros and Kornelia Maragakis; and numerous nieces and nephews who love to share their Uncle Bob stories. He is preceded in death by his wife, Leni Maragakis Cairo; parents George and Virginia Cairo; brother Elias “Looie” Cairo; and brothers-in-law John Maragakis and Gus Karavites.

Friends may call Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 S. Highland Drive, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a Trisagion service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South.

The family wishes to extend its sincere appreciation to the staff at Silverado Senior Living-Aspen Creek for the loving care and support they provided to Bob in the last two years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117.